Frederick Rankin MacFadden, Jr., Ph.D, 85, of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away while surrounded by family, Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Sinai Hospital.

Fred was born May 29, 1928 in Morristown, N.J., to Frederick MacFadden, Sr. and Edna (Harrison) MacFadden.

He graduated from Glassboro High School in 1946. He was valedictorian, class president and member of the National Honor Society. He graduated from Princeton University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.  Fred married Jean MacLaren in 1957.

In 1961 he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Ph.D in English, and in 1963 accepted a position as an English professor at Coppin State College in Baltimore, Md.

After 36 years, Dr. MacFadden retired from Coppin State University and was awarded Professor Emeritus status.

Dr. MacFadden was a scholar of American literature with papers appearing in American Writers Before 1800, Critical Survey of Poetry, Journal of American Folklore, Journal of Popular Culture, Magazines for Libraries, and the publication of his book Knight with Quill, 1997. At one time Fred was also an editor of the Baltimore area Mensa newsletter, a board member and actor with the Arena Players of Baltimore, and several times a winning participant with Toastmasters International.

Above all Christian faith and family were central to Dr. MacFadden. Fred was a dedicated husband, father, and church member who volunteered as usher, deacon, and Christian teacher.

Fred is survived by his wife of 57 years Jean MacFadden; his two daughters Lily MacFadden-Jaye of Baltimore, Md, Julie MacFadden and her two sons Matthew and Michael Kawecki of Wrightsville, Pa; his son Ned MacFadden and his wife Melanie and daughter Lauren of Olney, Md; his sisters Dorothy Dare of Sewell, Nj, and Edna Hagerman of Long Island, Ny; and nieces and nephews.