I met Fred in the mid-nineties when he was hired to fill a position in the Bureau of Environmental Health at the Harford County Health Department. You could not help but like Fred. He was genuine and unpretentious, just a salt of the earth individual. I always marveled at Fred's energy and endurance. He could hike for miles , scaling hillsides like a mountain goat, all the while carrying on full conversations with his trail companions. Maybe it was the Reese's peanut butter cups that Fred so generously shared with everyone. We once tackled the painting of my home over several evenings when our day jobs concluded. He was an extraordinary painter. I am not exaggerating in the slightest when I say he could paint an entire house in the time it took me to paint a room. He would just grin when I'd reach for the FrogTape in my attempts to paint straight lines. He could obtain better results with no aids, in a tenth of the time and all freehand of course. He would often join my family for dinner, where we would enjoy his conversation and he would enjoy my wife's cooking, especially her tomato pies! Fred was a kind soul and a good friend who will be sorely missed.

I met Fred at work at the Harford County Health Department in 1994. Leonard and I got Fred into hiking and camping and it wasn't hard to do because Fred already enjoyed the outdoors and had a great knowledge of nature. Fred always had a good positive attitude and he was always happy. On a sunny day Fred would always say "This is a golden day and we sure are lucky people". He was always a good friend. We would be hiking and Fred would say "I sure am happy that I met you people" We hiked all the local trails and took trips to Western Maryland and Pennsylvania. We camped many times at Caldonia State Park in Pennsylvania. Anytime I asked Fred if he was coming on a hike or camping trip, he would always say "I will be there!" In the fall of 2000 we hiked to the top of Mt Washington, the highest mountain in New England. In 2001 we were camping in Maine on 9-11. There were many more hikes and camping trips. I saw a sympathy card that was very fitting for Fred. It read, As some people journey through life they leave footprints to follow of kindness and positive attitude. Even when they're gone the trail they leave behind continues to inspire us.

Fred was such great person to hang around. He came at the perfect time to be interviewed by Eric and myself at the Harford County Health Department. It changed everyone's life in such a positive way. I can remember the interview like it was yesterday. Fred was great and he knew how to handle the interview. He had an upbeat and positive attitude and a friendly demeanor, it felt like we knew him for years. He mentioned how his wife Carolyn was a seasoned registered Sanitarian for Cecil County Health Department. He explained that he had taken additional science courses at Townson State University to brush up on his science credits. Fred talked at length about how he enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, reading, woodworking, painting, etc.. At the end of the interview, Fred had this big smile on his face and looking straight at me he said, "I don't mind working for a younger man." This man was a perfect fit we said. Fred stayed with us in Harford County many years then on to Cecil County Health Dept and the retirement. The whole time we kept close contact with Fred. Some may not know but Fred was an excellent outdoorsman, fisherman, hunter and a man that was well read. He loved his literature and poetry was one of his favorites was Edgar Allen Poe. He would read his stories in the fall. I asked him why and he answered, its cold and gloomy outside and that's when its best to read Poe's works, Of course I bought the Poe complete anthology just so I could discuss it with Fred. He had the ability to identify birds not only by site but by their unique songs. He would say that was a red eyed vireo, a Baltimore Oriole or his favorite, a Scarlet Tanager. He could even identify the trees in the winter just by its bark. A true man of the outdoors. Fred enjoyed many hiking and camping trips with his friends. He climbed Mount Washington in New Hampshire, the highest peak in the northeast. Fred was as early riser and loved to make breakfast. While everyone was still sleeping he was busy making a huge breakfast for everyone and frying up at least 5lbs of bacon. During September 11, 2001 Fred was camping with us in in Acadia National Park and climbed Mount Katahdin the day before 9/11. The highest peak in Maine and the end point of the Appalachian Trail. At the picnic table (listening to the radio) during 9/11 he explained to us about the terrorist and who they were. Only Fred would have that knowledge. He always enjoyed a good dinner after a hike, that was just as important as the hike. I can't forget the the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups he would bring to every outing. He passed them out to everyone to enjoy. Fred left such great memories. He always had funny sayings he would repeat at almost every hike or get together. We sure are lucky People and I am so glad I met Fred and shared time with him. He was so fun to be with and always made us laugh and will be greatly missed.

Fred always felt at peace hiking and being in nature, he will be greatly missed.

Freddie was very special to me. Our cousins and other family members grew up in Hershey. Pa. We shared a connection as we were the “ visiting cousins “. Fred was from Elkton, Md and my home was Cleveland. Ohio Fred and Carolyn spent a weekend with me. We went to a play about Edgar Allen Poe. Fred loved reading Poe poems to his cousins when we had family picnics at his home. . The next day we hiked in the Shenendoah mountains ! I can see the smile on his face when he said goodby and what a great time we had ! This is my lasting memory of my cousin Fred Pearson . My heartfelt prayers to Carolyn especially and his family Susie Twohig Kelly .

We in the extended Reese Family from Hershey only learned of Freddie's death the week of September 19. We are planning a Family Reunion in Hershey in the summer of 2023 in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Founding (by H.B. Reese, Inventor of The Cup) of the H.B. Reese Candy Company in 1923. We used to have family reunions in Hershey annually and Fred and Carolyn were always there. We looked forward to seeing him next year and will and do miss him....My keen memory of Fred comes from the time he walked me (at a young age) north thru the backwoods of his home in east Elkton to a site filled with bull dozers , dump trucks, workmen, and construction activity: he wanted me to see Interstate Route 95 being carved into the desecrated landscape. That memory has been seared ever-since...as is my memory of Cousin Freddie.

Your fathers life story and accomplishments are beautiful to read. Sorry for your loss Cynthia Dave Evan Lily and Olivia. Prayers for his peace. Love Anne and Nic DeCaire

Dear Carolyn and Family, We are so sorry to learn of the passing of a very wonderful, friendly neighbor. Always, enjoyed speaking with Fred while walking the dog past your home. Not surprised to learn of all Fred’s major life’s accomplishments. May God’s comfort touch you all at this difficult time. Sincere regards, Ellen and Rich Gruebel

Dear Carolyn and Family, Rich and I are so sorry to learn of Fred’s passing. He was a very friendly neighbor and always enjoyed speaking with us when he was out while we were walking our dog. We only knew Fred as the local painter but are so amazed to learn of all his wonderful accomplishments in life. We are so sure he’ll be quite missed by his friends and family. We’ll miss seeing him when we walk past your home to walk our dog. May God’s blessings be with you and your family at this very difficult time. Prayers and kind regards, Ellen and Rich Gruebel

One of my fondest memories from childhood was our scrumptious dinners we would have at my grandmother's house (Meenaw to us), and after the dinner, and pie and coffee, and pie, the comedy team would come to life. My Uncle Fred, and mother (Fred's sister Barbara) would keep us in stiches for hours with their impersonations of celebrities and just plain silly humor. It was in the days before grandmom had a television, but there was no need as they were so much fun. I think now I owe a debt to them for my fond appreciation of humor, and how it helps us cope with the stresses of life. Thank you, Uncle Fred, may you rest in peace.

In memory of Charles Frederick Pearson. We will miss you!

In Memory of Charles Frederick Pearson.

My deepest Condolences

You could not meet Fred without thinking: "He's my friend." He was by nature a kind, considerate and unselfish person. It was pleasant to be in his company and he was a good listener. You knew he cared about your welfare. "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." We will miss you Fred!

In memory of Charles Frederick Pearson, Marco lit a candle

May you and your family find comfort in the knowledge that many are holding you in their hearts today. Cynthia…with my deepest sympathy… Sandra Bibb

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family, Cynthia during this difficult time... Nancy

Carolyn and family. My condolences on the passing of Fred. He was a truly unique and talented man. He spoke with me so often about his family, his love for Carolyn, his children and his grand children. He was proud of each of them and their accomplishments. Having a conversation with Fred was like talking to an encyclopedia or a thesaurus, he was extremely knowledgeable and well versed. Many times I would have to look up a word Fred used that day to see what it meant! I will miss our lunch conversations which were usually food centered and would inevitably include a word of the day. Fred may no longer be with us but I have reminders of him everywhere. From the VERY detailed voice mail messages he left on my phone to the painted walls and trim in my house, Fred will always be remembered. We were never able to take the hike we talked about to show me the three state / Mason Dixon corner marker. I guess I will have to find it on my own and when I do I will sit down, enjoy a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup and think of a fitting Word Of The Day!

Loving Dad & Granddad - we miss you so much but know you are reunited with our family - Janet, Menaw, Barbara, Grandpa Pearson - who have gone before you. We will miss your kind and gentle nature. We will miss your smile - always up for a conversation and always interested in what others are doing. Thank you for teaching me so much about life - your love of nature and hiking, your expert turkey carving skills (I need to work on that), and the value and integrity of a hard day's work. I will miss being able to share both the big and small details of our lives with you. You were always interested, available, and attentive. It won't be the same without you. We love you!!!

One journey ends and another begins as you enter your eternal life! We all miss you very much.....until we meet again!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.