Dr. Frederick Joseph Bachl, 87, of Salisbury, North Carolina, died on March 15, 2026, at the North Carolina State Veterans Home.

Fred was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross and earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. Following medical school, he served two years in the United States Army, with assignments in South Korea and at Fort Meade, Maryland.

He practiced pediatrics for over 30 years with the Salisbury Children’s Clinic (later Salisbury Pediatric Associates), caring for generations of children and families in the community, often reminding them to eat their broccoli.

Fred was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for over 50 years and sang in the choir. He loved being outdoors and could often be found working in the yard ensuring that no weed infiltrated his lawn or garden (or the yards of others he visited). He also enjoyed community theater, appearing as Gertrude, the “ugly stepsister” in Cinderella, and Richard Henry Lee in Damn Yankees. Famous for his homemade blueberry pancakes, he loved playing with his grandchildren at the beach, often tossing them into the waves.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Viola Bachl, and his brother, John Bachl.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Bachl; his twin sister, Elizabeth Leary; his children, Carolyn Bachl (Kevin), Christopher Bachl (Cathy), Andrea Johnson (Isaac), and Kathleen Starkey (Scott); his stepchildren, Christian Stone (Barbara), Ryan Stone (Shannon), and Noelle Simmons (Andy); and fifteen grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Monday, March 23, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Salisbury National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the caregivers at the North Carolina
State Veterans Home.

Carolina Cremation is assisting the Bachl family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.