Biebel remembered as Republican, patriot

Written by John Kovach
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 11:44

Republicans across the nation are mourning the passing of longtime leader and former Republican National Committee co-Chairman Frederick K. Biebel of Stratford.

His obituary appears on Page 8A of the Oct. 29 Star and is also available here.

“Fred was an icon in the Republican Party,” Republican Town Committee Chairman Joe Crudo said. “More important he was a friend and mentor to many of us, and his legacy will live forever. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife and family.”

“Fred Biebel was an original, someone who was at the center of the great political debates and contests over the last 60 years,” Connecticut Republican Chairman Chris Healy said in a statement. “He served in every capacity as a volunteer, campaign manager, executive director of the party, then state party chairman before joining President Ronald Reagan at the national stage as national co-chairman of the Republican National Committee.”

A chronicle of his life can be found in his book, “Path of a Patriot: The Political Journey of Mr. B,” written in collaboration with Susan Heller.

Biebel got his start in Stratford politics, former state Sen. George “Doc” Gunther recalled.

“Almost from the day I came to town I knew Fred, even when he was just in the Jaycees, and they were fighting for fluoride, and I was against it,” Gunther said. “We used to get over it and be friends.”

That was the nature of that era.

“Throughout his storied career, Fred Biebel was generous to a fault, counseling and supporting the next generation of Republican leaders while respecting those who he differed with politically,” Healy said. “Fred came from an age where those who fought hard politically could still be warm friends when the whistle blew.”

“If you disagreed with a person in politics years ago, you’d fight like hell on the floor, then when it was over have a beer, or slap the person on the back and say, ‘You said some awful things about me, but it’s over,’” Gunther recalled.

Biebel worked on elections ranging from Stratford to former Bridgeport Mayor Nick Panuzio to President Reagan.

“Fred Biebel is known through the country for his loyalty, hard work and unshakable belief in the cause of freedom and the U.S. Constitution,” Healy said. “Fred knew and worked for six Presidents but never forgot his roots as an ordinary citizen who loved his country like a true patriot. Republicans everywhere share in the sorrow of Fred Biebel’s passing.”

After being reached by The Stratford Star Tuesday afternoon, the Republican National Committee released a statement.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Fred Biebel,” Chairman Michael Steele said. “His 65 years of service to the Republican Party included serving as Connecticut state party chairman and deputy chairman of the Republican National Committee under President Ronald Reagan. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Violet, and their children, Karen Sutra, Kyle Knapp, Kevin Biebel, and the entire Biebel family.”