Frederick William "Freddie" Thon

Frederick William "Freddie" Thon, passed away peacefully at his home on March 20, 2026. Born on March 14, 1937, the firstborn of Fred Luis Thon and Catherine Murphy Thon, Freddie lived a rich and full life, leaving an indelible mark on those he encountered throughout his 89 years. Freddie’s legacy of warmth and kindness survives through his devoted wife of 43 years, Carol Zimmerman Thon, and his sons, Freddie L. Thon, Richard W. "Dickie" Thon, Kenneth L. "Kennie" Thon, Francis E. "Frankie" Thon, and Benjamin W. "Benny" Thon, their spouses and partners, and the mothers of their children who collectively blessed the Thon family with 14 grandchildren and 16 surviving great-grandchildren. Freddie is fondly remembered by his extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and the many friends whose lives he touched. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, his brother William F. "Billy" Thon and his wife Blanca Pinero Thon, his sister Susan Margaret "Susie" Thon, her former husband Miguel "Mike" Morell, his former wife, Evangeline "Vangie" Gomez Thon, and his great-granddaughter Mila Thon. Freddie's early years were marked by academic and athletic excellence. A high school graduate of Colegio San Jose in San Juan, Freddie pursued higher education at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce. His passion for learning and his natural leadership abilities led to a distinguished 35-year career in high-level business management and international sales. He was instrumental in pioneering new business opportunities across Africa, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Canada, forging connections that spanned continents and cultures. In 1993, Freddie returned to South Bend, Indiana, with his family, where he joined forces with his 1950s baseball teammate, Dave Lerman, at Steel Warehouse, Co. Inc. That partnership allowed Freddie to launch Thon Steel, LLC, a minority-certified steel business that flourished, earning national recognition as a top minority supplier. Driven by a profound commitment to service, Freddie accepted the role of Assistant to the Mayor of South Bend in 2000, serving as a vital link between the government and the Latino community until 2007. His efforts in promoting equality and inclusion were tireless, helping Latinos navigate the intricacies of starting new businesses and fostering a sense of belonging within the community. In the 33 years since he returned to South Bend, Freddie was a highly visible community volunteer recognized for ongoing, active participation with a diverse group of organizations engaged in business, education, healthcare, sports, social service and the arts. He served multiple terms in a governance role for more than thirty community organizations. For every one of those appointments, Freddie took a sincere interest in the mission of the organization, rarely missed a Board meeting and was hands-on, frequently chairing a committee or organizing an activity, always a vocal advocate for the entities he represented. Notre Dame Federal Credit Union named Freddie their first Director Emeritus and dedicated their western branch office, on Mayflower Road, to him. He continued to attend their board meetings and to provide Spanish translations for their marketing materials and website. After his retirement, Freddie continued to make significant contributions as a self-employed translator. His work with the Freedom 22 Foundation's UpToParents.org, and DefenseMap.com provided valuable bilingual resources that have benefited thousands across the United States. Freddie's love for baseball was a lifelong affair, at his father's side from his earliest days. At age seven, he was a batboy for the San Juan Senadores. Though a shoulder injury curtailed his professional aspirations and his signed commitment to the New York Yankees, he played and coached baseball with enduring enthusiasm, nurturing the talents and work ethic of countless young men. Always a competitor, in an Alumni Game when he was in his sixties, he launched a homer out of Eck Stadium. An avid supporter of Notre Dame sports, particularly the Fighting Irish football and women's basketball teams, Freddie's passion for athletics was infectious. Above all, Freddie was a true gentleman, his heart forever with the people he loved and served. He often expressed his pride in the character of his sons, all of whom reflect the values he cherished. Freddie's warmth, humility, and unwavering dedication to family and community will be deeply missed. In Puerto Rico, a memorial Mass will be held at Parroquia San Antonio de Padua, Rio Piedras at 218 Calle Arzuaga, San Juan, PR at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026. In South Bend, a public visitation will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1050 Wilber Street, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026 followed by a Catholic Funeral Mass, Rev. Jim Fenstermaker, C.S.C. presiding, to celebrate Freddie's remarkable life. A table will be set up where attendees can write a memory of Freddie that will be preserved in a book for his descendants. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the FWThon Memorial Fund at any Notre Dame Federal Credit Union branch, or online at https://www.venmo.com/u/Carol-Thon-2, to honor Freddie's legacy with a commemorative bench in the community he chose to make his home. Freddie Thon never met a stranger and everyone who met the unpretentious Freddie will remember the same man. Those who knew him will carry lasting memories of time spent with Freddie. His life was a testament to love, service, and the power of human connection. He leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come.