Fred was born in Akron, Ohio on September 11, 1943. He graduated cum laude at Kent State University in 1965 and received his law degree from the Ohio State University College of Law in 1968. Before coming to Bangor to practice law in 1972, Fred was a prosecuting attorney in Summit County, Ohio. Fred concentrates his practice on civil litigation with emphasis on product liability defense.

He is a member of the Defense Research Institute and an experienced trial lawyer who manages personal injury, product liability, construction litigation, and professional liability cases. Among his personal pursuits are hiking, geology, travel, farming, and birding.