Fred Powell, middle, was honored at a Borough of Hatboro meeting in 2024 for his longstanding business and contributions to the community. (Credit: Borough of Hatboro/Facebook.com)
Fred Powell, longtime business owner of Powell’s Electric in Hatboro, passed away on Feb. 26 at the age of 102.
Powell served in the U.S. Army during World War II from February 1946 until February 1949, according to his obituary. Once he returned home, he took over the family business, Powell’s Electric, until his retirement in 1989. He was also known for his community service work with the Hatboro Rotary Club.
Powell was recognized by Hatboro Borough Council, Mayor Schultz, and State Rep. Nancy Guenst at the Dec. 16, 2024 Council Meeting for his outstanding commitment to Hatboro.
Relatives are friends are invited to Powell’s visitation, which will be held on Thursday, March 6 after 10:00 a.m. in Sunset Memorial Park’s Chapel of Peace, 333 County Line Road in Southampton. His funeral service will start at 10:30 a.m. followed by his Committal Service.
The Borough of Hatboro made an announcement about the passing on its website and posted the following:
Fred’s father and great uncle opened their first store on Byberry Road in 1922 called Powell’s Electric Shop which sold electric appliances and also offered electrical upgrade services for customers’ homes to accommodate these new appliances. After Fred’s honorable discharge from the United States Army, he joined the family business and took the reigns in the 1950s, working alongside his father before eventually purchasing the business and expanding it further. Fred’s dedication to Powell’s Electric Shop laid the foundation for the company’s success, and in 1990, after nearly 40 years of leadership, he passed the torch to his son, Doug, who changed the business name to Powell’s Electric Service. In addition to running his own business, Fred Powell served as a member of the Hatboro Rotary Club where he further dedicated his time to serving the Hatboro community.
As a trusted family-owned business, the Powell family has created a lasting legacy in Hatboro and the surrounding communities. Today, Powell’s are full service electrical contractors, and they handle everything from small residential repairs to large commercial installations. After installation, Powell’s assists their customers maintain everything they install. Powell’s is large enough to handle big jobs, but not too big to lose the family owned “personal touch” with all services they provide. Powell’s pride themselves on a job well done, performing work in a timely manner, and most importantly ensuring customer satisfaction. These core values have remained Powell’s top priority for decades and are exactly why customers continue to utilize their services generation after generation.
We are so thankful to have been able to celebrate Mr. Powell’s legacy and his selfless dedication to our community that will surely live on forever.
