The University community is saddened by the news of the passing of alumnus and longtime Trustee Frederick R. ‘Fred’ Favo, who died on Monday, June 8, at age 87. Private funeral arrangements are pending, though public viewing will take place on Thursday, June 11, from 6 until 8 p.m., and on Friday, June 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. at the English Funeral Home, 378 Maryland Ave., in Oakmont, Pa.
Mr. Favo earned his B.Arch.E. from Catholic University in 1955 and built a successful career as owner of Oakmont Realty Company and president of Valley Properties, Inc., in Oakmont. He was elected a trustee of the University in 1987 and continued to serve on the board until 2011, when he became an emeritus member. He was also a trustee emeritus at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa.
Upon his graduation from CatholicU, Mr. Favo was presented with the Harris Cup — the highest athletic honor the University bestows on graduating male seniors — in recognition of his “outstanding service to the university as a scholar, athlete, and gentleman.” He was a multisport athlete for the Cardinals, running cross country for three years and wrestling and running track for four.
An outstanding runner both indoors and out, he was undefeated in dual meet indoor competition in the 440-yard run from 1953-55, claiming a Mason-Dixon Conference indoor track championship in the event along the way. He was also a member of the mile relay championship quartet (1954-55) and the sprint medley relay championship squad (1953-55), as well as an indoor record holder in the 440 (1953-54).
Outdoors, Mr. Favo's career highlight was the 1954 District of Columbia A.A.U. 440 championship, during which, as a non-scholarship athlete, he defeated scholarship runners from Georgetown and the University of Maryland. In addition, Mr. Favo was a member of the Mason-Dixon Conference's mile relay champions (1952-55), the 220-yard champion (1953-55) and 440-yard champion (1953-54), and a participant in the 1954 NCAA Track and Field Championships.
As a wrestler, he was a two-time runner-up at the Mason-Dixon Conference Championships, finishing second at 137 pounds in 1954 and second at 147 pounds in 1955.
He was elected to the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982.
In addition to his service on the Board of Trustees, Mr. Favo’s contributions to his alma mater include his work as a member of the board of governors of The Catholic University of America Alumni Association. He also established seven endowed scholarships at CatholicU, including the Maureen Daley Favo Scholarship Fund honoring his first wife of 38 years. With his late wife, Anne (d. 2016), Mr. Favo remained a longtime generous benefactor of the University, helping support Cardinal athletics and Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to campus, among many other University projects and initiatives.
He received The Catholic University of America Distinguished Service Award in 1998, the Edward J. Pryzbyla Award in 2004, and the Thomas J. Shahan Award for Service in 2006.
“Fred Favo represented the highest ideals of the University he loved,” said President John Garvey, “a man committed to his family, his community, and the students of today and future generations through his philanthropic support for Catholic. The University expresses its deepest condolences and greatest appreciation to Fred’s extended family on the occasion of his passing. His legacy will always be a valued part of our history.”
