Frederick Atwater Obituary

ATWATER Frederick Randall TITUSVILLE, Fla. The family of Frederick Randall Atwater sadly announces his passing in Titusville on November 16, 2012. Fred was born in Newport, R.I., on September 11, 1919 to Cecelia Mina (Dever) and Charles Randall Atwater, as the youngest of three children, all of whom were born within four years of each other. The Atwaters lived at 21 School St., in Newport. The young family lost their father Randall in 1920 before Fred was one year old. Their mother Mina died in July 1929 leaving Fred and his siblings as orphans. Fred's sister, Edith Barbara Atwater went to live with her maternal aunt, Hattie Bonnell, in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. Fred and his brother, Charles Earle Atwater, remained in Newport, living in a Catholic orphanage (Mercy Home) after their mother died. Fred attended schools in Newport and graduated from de la Salle Academy in June 1938. Following high school, Fred served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He received several decorations as well as the following commendation from President Harry S. Truman: "To you who answered the call of your country and served in its Merchant Marine to bring about the total defeat of the enemy, I extend the heartfelt thanks of the Nation. You undertook a most severe task one which called for courage and fortitude. Because you demonstrated the resourcefulness and calm judgment necessary to carry out that task, we now look to you for leadership and example in further serving our country in peace." After the war, Fred became a licensed electrician and was a proud union member in Albany. He worked out of Local Albany 724 and remained in Albany for the rest of his life. In October 2007, Fred received his 60-year member certificate from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) which reads as follows: "The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, in sincere affection and deep gratitude, presents this citation and pin in honor of loyal and faithful years of membership in our Brotherhood." Fred had a great sense of humor and a nice congenial manner. He loved all sports but especially enjoyed watching baseball. He was always well dressed and took a great interest in "healthy living." He was very well-liked by everybody. Besides his parents, Fred was predeceased by his brother, Charles (Helen Arruda) in 1949 and his sister, Edith (Hon. Charles J. A. Hughes) in 1998. He is survived by his former sister-in-law, Helen Lawrence (Frank) of Middletown, R.I.; his niece, Barbara Hughes Campbell of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada; three great-nieces and one great-nephew. The family would appreciate receiving remembrances of Fred. Please email [email protected]. There will be a service and interment at St. Columba's Catholic Cemetery in Middletown, R.I. in the spring of 2013.

Published by Albany Times Union on Jan. 19, 2013.
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4 Entries

Freddie lived down the away from me on State Street we were both working down on the river at the flower Mill Freddy would give me a ride to the job and back home again he told me great stories about the business and my dad who had recently passed. He was known as a character in the electrical business but very serious about his work and giving me proper training and keeping me in line. I like Freddy and will forever keep him in my heart and memories

Michael Nally

Work

January 14, 2024

I was an Apprentice in 724, and enjoyed working with Freddie. Lost track of him.Sorry about his passing.

Mike Nally

Work

November 26, 2022

I'm a former Albany area resident I read your uncle's obit and I salute you for sharing his life story. Only in America could you tell this story. He was a true American hero! God Bless Him

Cindy Bayly Dixon

January 19, 2013

I read your uncle's obit and I salute you for taking the time to share his life story. Only in America could this story be written. He was a true American! God Bless Him

Cindy Bayly Dixon

January 19, 2013

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