Fred R. Ashburn Jr.

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Fred R. Ashburn Jr., 55, of Altoona died Sunday at Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Hospital Campus.

He was born in Altoona, son of the late Fred R. Sr. and Marianna T. (Malone) Ashburn, who survives.

Also surviving are two sisters: Diana Rickabaugh of Altoona and Patricia Tatsch of Tipton; an uncle, David Malone; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Daniel.

Fred graduated from Altoona Area High School in 1973, where he had been a tennis champion. He earned scholarships in high school and was listed in "Who's Who Among American High School Students" in 1972 and 1973. He attended Penn State, Altoona, studying human development education and law enforcement. He participated in Junior ROTC, where he attained the rank of staff sergeant and earned a medal for expert marksmanship.

Fred was an avid chess player and competed with Lubomir Kavalek, an international grand master in chess. He resigned on the 38th move, being one of the last three players to end the 32-player competition. Fred was the chess champion at Penn State Altoona from 1973-74, and he was the founder of the Altoona Chess Club in 1974.

Fred had been an Altoona Mirror carrier. He also was a member of the Buccinese Club, and he attended Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Juniata.

Fred was a train buff. He collected many trains and railroad memorabilia, which he shared with children at Christmas, giving away many train sets. He also was a collector of sports cards, antique toys and games, and books autographed by famous writers.

He will be remembered for helping children get involved in sports by buying uniforms and equipment and paying tournament fees. At Christmas, he dressed as Santa Claus and bought gifts for underprivileged children. He sponsored "Fred's Gems" Teener Baseball Team, "Fred's Gems" AYSO Soccer Team, "Mountain Top" all-star baseball teams and "Ashburn's Sports Club" basketball teams for Altoona Area High School.

Fred trained in Isshinryu Karate and Tae-Kwon-Do, as well as Tang Soo Do, where he earned a master black belt. He also earned more than 45 trophies and 130 citations in karate competitions. He used his training to demonstrate to senior citizens and children how to defend themselves against attackers.

Fred was a friend of many famous people, including J.T. Wills, Jeff Speakman, Ho Sung Pak (of Raphael Ninja Turtles II), Bill Wallace, Joe Lewis, Leslie Gore, Michael Gross (of Hollywood), and Chief Split Cloud, who made him an honorary member of the Iroquois Nation. When Chief Split Cloud died, the bear and eagle claws that he had earned and his turquoise jewelry were given to Fred.

Fred was a great-great-grandson on his mother's side of Czar Alexander II of Russia.

He always had a smile and a handshake for everyone he met.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 30, 2009, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home Inc., Juniata, where a vigil for the deceased will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday during the evening viewing. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2009, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Juniata, by the Rev. D. Timothy Grimme. Committal at Calvary Cemetery.