Obituary of Fred Ross McFadden

Fred Ross McFadden passed away on Tuesday, December 15th at the Willow Point Nursing Home. Fred was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years, Nancy; his son, Stephen McFadden; and parents, Fred and Bertha. He is survived by six children and their spouses: James and Norma McFadden of Owego, Ann and Kevin Harrang of Kirkland, Washington, Mary McFadden of Owego, John and Sharon McFadden of Owego, Kathleen and Peter Spratt of Yakima, Washington, and Patrice McFadden of Schenectady; his grandchildren Malena and Owen Harrang, Marley and Devon McFadden, Thomas and Joseph Spratt, and Cooper McFadden Wirth. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Rosemary Dietz, Robert and Barbara McFadden, Donald and Sheila McFadden and Patsy and Hank Bates. Fred grew up in Wilkes Barre PA, lost his father at age 11, for years delivered newspapers at daybreak, attended GAR High School, and received a degree in chemistry from King’s College in 1952. He then served in Stuttgart, Germany in Army Intelligence. He worked for IBM for 33 years, starting out in Wappinger Falls, New York before settling in Owego in 1964. His proudest accomplishments were being a devoted father and community volunteer. He served on the Owego School Board from 1975 to 1985. He coached Little League Baseball. Together with Nancy, he delivered Meals on Wheels. He was a devoted member and a lecturer at St. Patrick’s Church for many years. His favorite place of escape was the Coburn Library where also served on the board for a time, but preferred to quietly read. He loved math and till his last weeks, had his nose in calculus books. He loved helping with the homework every night. He was an active gardener and composter before it was popular and loved experimenting with new varieties and methods of growth. Most of all, Fred loved joining family and his many friends at the Elks Lodge fish frys. The family would like to thank all the wonderful care providers at both the Willow Point Nursing Home and the staff at Castle Gardens these past few years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 21, 2015 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 300 Main Street in Owego. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1 to 3p.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park Street, Owego, NY. Condolences or memories of Fred may be sent to Fred’s family via emfaheyfh@aol.com. Donations in Fred’s memory may be made to support the Tioga County Rural Ministry or the Colburn Free Library. Fred loved gardening because it teaches one to adapt, to appreciate and to persevere…that’s all we can do in life.