WATERTOWN, NY — Robert E. Frederick, 86, of Water Street, Watertown, passed away Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, at Samaritan Medical Center after a brief illness.
Mr. Frederick was born Sept. 8, 1934, in Watertown, a son of Edward and Mary (Ritter) Frederick, he graduated in 1952 from Watertown High School. In the same year, he began working for New York Air Brake, retiring in 1991 after 39 years of service.
On Jan. 29, 1954, he married Joan M. Bush at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Benoit Dostie officiating. Joan died in 1989. On Aug. 25, 1995, he married Barbara Zawisza Carr at the Italian American Civic Association with Deacon Ken Seymour officiating. Barbara died Dec. 14, 2019.
Mr. Frederick was a communicant of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church and a life member of the Watertown Elks Club #496.
He was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing golf. In his later years he enjoyed feeding the birds in his backyard. He was known to name them and train them to eat from his hands. Some would even tap on the window for his attention. This is a true testament to his gentle nature that he will be remembered for.
Surviving are two sons, Kevin and his companion Robin L. Caprara, Chaumont, Michael (Dawne), Adams Center, two daughters, Karen (David) Alguire, Boonville, Julie (Tom) Flynn, Brownville, two step daughters, Laura (Karl) Davis, Tempe, AZ, Tina Wersinger and her partner Jack Zemla, Wilson, NY, six grandchildren, Nicholas Frederick, Joshua Frederick, Jesse Frederick, Kerin Markham, Hannah Van Koughnett, Hillary VanKoughnett, six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A sister, Ethel Workman, died before him.
A private funeral will be held.
Burial will be in the spring in Sanford Corners Cemetery.
Arrangements are with D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc.
Contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com