ForeverMissed
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Share a special moment from Frederick's life.

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March 17, 2021
Maria, Paul, Phil and Mia-

I was so very sorry to hear about Fred’s unexpected passing. I have many fond childhood memories of Fred as an enthusiastic, fun uncle engaged in whatever was going on.  It was the only place in my childhood where I got a double popsicle!  

When I graduated from high school, Fred wrote me a memorable note with advice I considered at different points in my life.  It was essentially ‘for those who are willing to take a risk that life will have the greatest rewards’.  It was very apropos since I tend take the safe, more predictable route in life.  I actually used it as the basis of my Speech 101 persuasive speech at the U.  But at different points in my life, when I did decide to do something outside my comfort zone, he was so right.  The results were more than I could ever have imagined.  

Fred selected a signed original piece of art for our wedding in 1975. We have enjoyed those boats in many different places in all of our homes.  It has stood the test of time which is not the case for all of the art that we have selected.  It has been a piece that we have and will continue to remember him by.

Rick would talk about occasionally seeing Fred at the corporate Honeywell building or as Fred referred to it, the Motherwell. He was so friendly, recognizing Rick before Rick recognized him.  Rick said he was so professional and energetic. 

I can’t imagine the loss that you and your family is experiencing but know you are all in our thoughts.

Pam and Rick O’Connell










March 13, 2021
My dad passed away at 11:11 pm on Febraury 27th with family at his bedside and with him in his final week on this Earth. He was a wonderful human being and loving father, father-in-law and poppa. He was the best man at Brigid and my wedding and was always there for me and all of his family. We had many wonderful trips and memories. Hopefully some day I will be able to move away from the pain and focus on those memories. The memorial talks about him being an outstanding athlete, gorgeous voice, great sense of humor, artist and advertising director, and many other attributes, but most important was he was such an amazing, classy and nice person. He never spoke a negative word and always found the best in people. He taught me about civil rights at an early age and treating people the way you want to be treated. He taught me not to follow the crowd but be a leader. He taught all his kids and grandkids what love is all about and he loved Maria as his soulmate. I will never be the same without him.
March 13, 2021
Fred and I became buddies just a few months ago. Hanging out together was always the highlight of my week. We’d discuss the news of the day, listen to music, on nice days we’d walk to the pond to feed the wildlife and virtually every time we were together we’d stop for burgers at White Castle and chocolate malts at the DQ. When we were in the car we’d talk about sneaking food to the wild turkeys, about old songs on the radio, about players on the Brooklyn Dodgers, about our sure-bet business ideas and about how Fred roller skated to the airport with his friend, Bert. But what we talked about most was the love Fred had for his family, particularly Maria. Fred considered himself the luckiest man alive to be surrounded by such loving, talented, generous children and grandchildren and to be married to such a beautiful, smart and caring wife. So often Fred would say, life doesn’t get any better than this. And ain’t that the truth. Love rocks. Nothing else really matters.
March 8, 2021
My husband and I met Fred after I met Maria back in 1990. Fred became as much a part of our social circle as our time in and out of Minnesota would allow, sharing his vim and vigor, grace, and humor. We were particularly touched that Fred and Maria made a trip out to State College, PA, back in 1994 to meet our first-born Nabil and tolerated a thin futon for three nights in our cubical of an apartment. Since then, we have either met over picnics, Easter egg hunts, coffee klatches, dinners, surprise parties, anniversaries, or political discussion groups. He was adept at connecting with everyone on any subject, but we will always remember his ease with our boys, connecting with them at every age phase. Aziz and I will never forget how our firstborn sat mesmerized by Fred's ability to play spoons on our son's highchair tray; how he could talk sports with our then basketball and soccer pre-teens; and then politics, painting, film-making, and business while they were in college. Fred may not be here in person, but he will always be in our hearts, coffee in one hand, ice cream in another, and a warm, slightly mischeivious smile on his face, ready to engage. We love that man. Thank you Maria for sharing him. 

Always,
Amanda and Aziz




March 7, 2021
Fred's daughter, Amalia, is one of my dearest friends.  I've known Amalia for 30 years, and by default of course, her parents.  If Ama is your friend, then so are Fred and Maria!  I've so enjoyed spending time with them over the years and getting to know them on a personal level.  They raised such an amazing woman in Amalia - I salute them for that.  I will miss Fred's laugh, curiosity, and quirky humor.  His positive energy and warmth are what I will remember most.  And his beard!  

We're sending all of our love and big giant hugs to Fred's family and loved ones during this difficult time.  He will be missed, but always in our hearts.
Susie DeRenzis
March 6, 2021
My love and condolences to Maria, Paul, Phil, Mia, Amalia, and all of Fred’s grandchildren. Fred’s smile and kindness will be missed by so many. Just a month or two ago, Fred called me out of the blue just to say hello and to see how I was doing. It was a wonderful, unexpected surprise. I will always cherish that memory. 

The World According to Garp

March 6, 2021
I have known Fred as long as I can remember. He was one of my parents, Joanne and Phil Schwab’s, closest and longest friend.  It was always an occasion when Fred and Maria would come visit in California. One visit was just Fred. I was in high school. The World According to Garp by John Irving was a super popular book. I had just finished reading it. We were at the dining room table eating dinnerand Fred said something about having read and enjoyed it. I launched into a very impassioned, drawn out, scathing diatribe on how I hated the book. Particularly the part when Garp’s car goes down a  driveway, hits the car parked in the dark of the driveway causing his wife to commit grave bodily harm to her lover with whom she was in the car. I focused for quite some time, in detail, on that scene. During the entire rant Fred sat and listened very intently, nodding his head and giving me great eye contact. At the end he leaned back in his chair, took a drink and said “Well. Huh.  I think you may have not liked the book. And started laughing and could not stop laughing and we all could not stop laughing and I remember the fun it was laughing with Fred. He made me feel like an adult with a valid opinion.  He never forgot it and remembering that dinner still caused him to laugh years and years later. Fred accepted everything I ever said, no matter how rash or ridiculous, with kindness and interest. He included everyone in our family in the conversation, regardless our age or crazy opinions.  We all loved it when Fred and Maria visited. Thank you, Fred, for laughing with us all those years. ❤️

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