Frederick M. Hinsdale

Hinsdale, Frederick M.
Caledonia: Died October 8, 2008. Fred was born in Rensselaer Falls, NY on July 8, 1916, the son of Eunice and Ira Hinsdale. He was a proud graduate of St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY. During World War II, Fred served in the United States Navy aboard a destroyer escort seeing action in the Atlantic. After the war, he returned to St. Lawrence to complete his Masters of Science degree and in 1954, he received his Doctorate in Education from the University of Buffalo. Fred began his teaching career in Waterport, New York and then moved on to Kendall. It was while he was teaching at Kendall that he met the love of his life, Phyllis Winslow. They were married on February 18, 1942. After the war, Fred moved to Bergen where he was appointed Principal. The next and final move was to Caledonia-Mumford in August 1951, where he was named District Principal. He remained there for the next 30 years, overseeing the growth of the district and the building of two school buildings. He was always a Red Raider at heart and took great interest and pride in the accomplishments of every student that graduated from CMCS. While there, he was especially proud of establishing a special education program for children which was precipitated by the needs of his son, Bruce, a special needs child. Fred was truly touched when the new high school building was dedicated to him, and the road leading to it was named Hinsdale Way.
Fred was an avid golfer, reader, traveler and crossword puzzle junkie. He loved to engage in conversation about current events and enjoyed nothing better than a good heated exchange of opinions. He was a past president of Stafford Country Club, a member of the Caledonia Country Club, Matthew Cleary Post of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Eunice Lodge, and the Damascus Temple of Western New York.
He was an elder and deacon in the First Presbyterian Church of Caledonia. He was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis W. Hinsdale, brother Ira C. Hinsdale and sister Susan D. Kurpiewski. He is survived by his sister Marie Kowalchuk of Brasher Falls, NY, daughter Valerie (Gregory) Connor of Mumford, son Bruce W. Hinsdale of Brockport; grand-daughters, Jennifer (Jonathan) Martin of Caledonia and Amy (Paul) Stivers of Centennial, CO, four great-grandchildren, Aidan and Gabrielle Martin and Madeline and Donovan Stivers as well as several nieces and nephews and many good friends.
Friends may call October 21, 2008 (Tuesday) from 7-9 P.M. and October 22, 2008 (Wednesday) from 2-5 P.M. A Masonic Service will be held prior to calling hours on October 21, 2008 (Tuesday) at 6:30 P.M. at the Alhart Funeral Home, 3068 West Main St., Caledonia. His Memorial Service will be held October 23, 2008 (Thursday) at 7:00 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church, 3080 Main Street, Caledonia, NY. Private Interment, Mumford Rural Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Frederick M. Hinsdale Scholarship c/o Cindy Oltmann, 99 North St., Caledonia, NY 14423.