Fred Fischer

Fred Fischer of Greenwood Lake, formerly of Dover, Del., as well as Baldwin and and Oceanside on Long Island, left this world on Dec.31, 2022, after a short bout with COVID. He was 89 years old.

As a (very) young man, Fred served in the U.S. Army. For him, this was a time rich with growth and opportunity. After his service, he returned home to Queens, and focused his energies and talents on learning the specifics of the knitting mill industry.

Fred mastered the intricacies of knitting mill machinery and his knowledge and experience made him a sought after knitting mill mechanic.

Following several decades in the knitting mill world, Fred had a second career with Oceanside Schools in the Building and Grounds Department, ultimately becoming a head building custodian.

Fred married Gilda, his wife of 65 years, in 1957. A few years later, along with four-year-old Terry Ann and toddler Christy, Fred and Gilda settled on Long Island’s south shore, living first in Oceanside, then in Baldwin. Their time on Long Island was followed by some years in Dover, Del., after which they moved to Greenwood Lake.

Fred was a man with many natural talents. Over the course of his long and active life, he played soccer, softball, racquetball, paddleball, tennis, bocce. He bicycled and ice skated. He bowled regularly, including a perfect game at the age of 80.

He had a keen ear, and taught himself to play the harmonica and guitar. He read daily, and did crossword puzzles into his mid-80’s. He knew his way around the kitchen, and created simple, hearty, delicious soups and stews.

Fred was never without at least one four-legged companion. He and Gilda shared, over their years together, a poodle, two Labrador retrievers, five Daschunds, and more cats than can ever be counted. Fred has also been known to befriend chipmunks, patiently coaxing them to take peanuts from his hands.

Born to Carl Fischer and Anna Roehrig Fischer, Fred is survived by his wife Gilda Zeitlhofer Fischer, his daughters Theresa Fischer and Christina Schloth, sons-in-law Richard Piazza and Robert Schloth, grandchildren Ashley Owen, Matthew Owen (and Denise Guardino Owen), Colin Schloth (and Catherine Makuch Schloth) and Lucas Schloth, as well as great-granddaughter Arianna Owen.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held on Long Island conjunction with his 90th birthday.

Please email fred.fischer.gwl@gmail.com for specifics, or to share condolences and memories with Fred’s family.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory may consider The Warwick Valley Humane Society, 48 Public Works Drive, Warwick, NY 10990, and The Greenwood Lake Food Pantry, 41 Windermere Avenue, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925.