Dr. Albert T. Fechtel

Albert Thomas Fechtel, M.D. passed away peacefully on January 27, 2012. He will be sorely missed by his six children, their spouses and all of his many grandchildren. Born in Waycross, Georgia on December 4, 1919 to Casper and Bernadine Fechtel, he grew up the eleventh of twelve children, all of whom have predeceased him. Al moved to Jacksonville, FL in 1929 and he graduated from Immaculate Conception High School where he was a standout football player. After a year of working in his father’s Bay Street chicken hatchery, he attended the University of Florida on a ROTC and football scholarship and graduated in 1943. He pursued a medical degree at Tulane University graduating in 1945 and completed his internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA where he met the love of his life, and future wife, Bertha Ann LeBlanc. Al and B.A. returned to Jacksonville in 1950 after his military service where he served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He completed his residency in surgery at Duval Medical Center in 1954.

Al practiced as an independent general surgeon until the age of 71and was a staff surgeon for six local hospitals. His service to the Jacksonville medical community included many additional roles such as Duval County Medical Examiner, President of the Medical and Dental Staff of Methodist Hospital and team physician for Bishop Kenny football for 10 years. After his retirement from private practice he practiced surgery at the VA medical clinic until the age of 81.

He was a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons and was certified by the American Board of Surgeons. His medical memberships included: The Duval County Medical Society, American Medical Association, Florida Medical Association, Southern Medical Association, Southeastern Surgical Congress, Florida Association of General Surgeons and the Florida Physician’s Association, Inc.

Al will be remembered not only for his skill as a surgeon but also for his genuine care for all of his many patients, his love of his family, his devotion to his church, and his love of the outdoors. Indefatigable, Al always made time to care for others. Al loved playing the role of provider, whether bringing fruit to his patients, taking his medical cohorts on hunting or fishing trips or his family to the beach. He was an exemplary role model for his son Dr. Douglas James Fechtel, who followed in his surgical footsteps. His passion for healing and caring for others inspired several of his children and grandchildren to serve in health care related professions.

Al was an active member of Assumption Parish, San Jose Country Club and the Empire Point Community. An avid sportsman, Al will always be remembered for his love of hunting and fishing and his devotion to the Florida Gators. Never big on resting in this life, may he now rest in eternal peace with the love of his life.

Preceded in death by his wife Bertha Ann Fechtel, his son, Kenneth John Fechtel, he is survived by his children, Albert Thomas Fechtel, Jr. (Diane), Roslyn Fechtel, Floris Fechtel Singletary (Ray), Douglas J. Fechtel (Sharon), Karen Fechtel Terpko (Tom) & Mark LeBlanc Fechtel (Patricia); grandchildren, Spencer, Matthew, Mark Downing, David, Blake, Alex, Christen, Danielle, Sydney, Luke, Alec, & Caitlin, great grandchildren, Hannah and Jane, and numerous loving nieces, nephews, family & friends.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 1, from 6 – 8 pm with a vigil at 7:00 pm at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on February 2, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Assumption Church with Father Fred Parks officiating. Burial in Oaklawn Cemetery will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society of Assumption Church, 2403 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com