Frederick "Fred" MacDonald Sagabiel

Frederick "Fred" MacDonald Sagabiel, 84, of Gainesville, Florida died peacefully December 19, 2010 at North Florida Regional Medical Center. He was preceded in death by an infant son; his beloved wife, Nell Jean; and brothers Harris, Victor, and Robert Sagabiel. Fred is survived by his daughter Christine Sagabiel (Scott McCullough), granddaughter Isabelle McCullough, and grandson Ailin McCullough, all of Gainesville; and his sister, Helen Sagabiel Anderson, of New Bedford, PA.



Fred was born August 3, 1926 in New Bedford, Pennsylvania to Lee and Esther Sagabiel. He served in the United States Navy as Aviation Midshipman. He attended a number of universities throughout the country including Auburn, Dartmouth, and the University of Wyoming. In 1954 he married Nell Jean Vane of Springville, Utah. Shortly thereafter, the couple moved to Los Angeles, California where Fred completed his degree in aeronautical engineering at Northrup Institute of Technology. He then accepted a job with General Dynamics Convair division in San Diego, where he worked for more than 30 years. While there he was involved in the cryogenics of launch pad design, specializing in the storage and delivery of liquefied gases and fuels. He participated in the Titan Centaur and Atlas programs, and worked on the cruise missile and space shuttle projects.



Fred had many interests outside of work. He enjoyed hunting throughout his life, and told many stories about the hunting trips he took with members of Nell Jean's family. He loved to sail and, for many years, made weekly outings with friends in the Convair sailing club. Woodworking was a passion; he made several pieces of furniture and beautiful toys and toy chests for his grandchildren. Fred also enjoyed gardening and was known throughout the neighborhood for his beautiful roses.



In 2009, Fred moved to Gainesville, Florida to be close to his daughter and her family. He was particularly delighted to be near his grandchildren and took an avid interest in their activities. Fred was able to attend a few of Ailin's orchestra performances and heard many of his clarinet practice sessions at the house. Fred and Isabelle had rowing in common, and he was proud that she became a member of the varsity crew team at the University of Florida.



Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 11:00 am at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E 200 S in Springville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Fred's memory be made to the Alachua County Youth Orchestra, P.O. Box 14313 University Station, Gainesville, FL 32604; the University of Florida crew team, University of Florida Sports Clubs, Attn: Florida Crew, Box 112760, SW Recreation Center, Room 120, Gainesville, FL 32611; or to the charity of one's choice.