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Owego Free Academy Cornell University

Fred Gradel Obituary

FRED "UNCLE FRED" GRADEL
NEWFIELD - Fred "Uncle Fred" Gradel, age 46, of Lampila Road, died unexpectedly at the Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira.
Fred was born in Endicott, NY, on June 8, 1961, a son of Ferdinand and Ruby Gradel. He was a graduate of the Owego Free Academy and had been employed as a waiter at the Statler Hotel on the Cornell University Campus since 1989. Affectionately known as "The Wizard" by his friends and family, his thirst for knowledge was never ending. His love of nature, the plants, trees, and flowers that made up the World around him, gave him great joy everyday.
Fred is survived by his father, Ferdinand R. (Anne Dalconzo) Gradel of Owego; his mother, Ruby E. (Jack) Weaver; a sister, Cindy (Rod) Martin; and a brother, Tom (Janice) Gradel; nieces, Stephanie and Bethli Beeman, Desirae, Taylor and Lauren Gradel, all of Newfield; his beloved "children", Magpie and Kitty; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 19, 2007, at Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve on Irish Hill Road in Newfield. Please dress casually. Following the ceremony a reception will be hosted by his family at the Newfield Fire Hall. In lieu of flowers, Fred's family asks that you please plant a tree in his memory or donate to the Tompkins County SPCA in his name.
Arrangements are under the direction of Covert Funeral Home, Ovid, NY. www.covertfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ithaca Journal on Oct. 18, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Fred Gradel

22 Entries

Andrew Sherrill

November 4, 2007

Well, sir, so long and goodnight.

I'll always fondly remember our Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, talking about meterology and history, cahinsmoking and laughing.

I wish you could let me know if it's better to burn out than to fade away.

Thomas Franklin Hill

October 30, 2007

Freddy's passing comes as a great shock to me. My memories go back to Spencer Street in Ithaca and those yearlt in the early 1980s. He was a good man and I am sorrowed to learn of his passing.

Jim Bramble

October 28, 2007

The memories I have go back so far and run so deep...From Spencer Street and working at the Divi to Lampila Road and Fred giving me shelter and a place to be when life just ended. He was truly one of the sweetest people I have ever known and I'll never be able to watch the Weather Channel again without thinking of him; whenever I plant something in a garden I'll hear him telling me how to do it; I owe him so much for teaching me the most important things about life..love, family and keeping it real. My heart goes out to you all

Statler Hotel Housekeeping Department

October 19, 2007

The employees from the Statler housekeeping department will sincerely miss Fred's sense of humor. He was a good friend to all who crossed his path in life and will be greatly missed.

Jeffrey Allen

October 19, 2007

Fred was a person who knew how to make someone smile. Whether through his quick wit or funny stories. He was a great horseshoe player and bowler too. I'll miss him very much. My condolences to his family.

Rosie Moore

October 18, 2007

Fred,
I worked with Fred at the Statler Hotel, he will be surley missed by all his co-wokers and the students. Fred was very gentle, kind and caring person that we all loved him very much. Fred always was so happy, and had a warm smile on his face.
God bless to Fred Family, my prayer are with you all. Love, Rosie moore, You can call me.

Herb Gehm

October 18, 2007

Fred was a great and fun loving guyhe will be sadly missed by all who knew him.My condolences to his family.

Billi Mouillesseaux

October 18, 2007

Fred was a best friend to my Brother, Rick Dean, when I was a little girl. I always remember him as being a good friend to him & the sweetest person. I am very sorry for the loss.
Sincerely,

Bill Hawley

October 18, 2007

Fred was a dear friend and will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.

Teresa Nichols -Cluff

October 18, 2007

I worked with Ruby at Borg Warner. I am sorry to hear about your son Fred. You always mentioned your children with love. God Bless you all at your time of loss.

Amy Hughes

October 18, 2007

I worked with Fred at the Ramada Inn back in the Divi days 20 years ago. He was one of my favorite co-workers and I enjoyed working with him and listening to all of his wonderful stories, he could always make me laugh. I will always remember Fred as a very gentle, kind and caring person. My deepest sympathies to Fred's family.

Virginia Lacey

October 18, 2007

Ruby & Fred, So sorry to hear about Freddy.My prayers are with you. Virginia (Scalia ) Lacey

Nancy Moore

October 18, 2007

Fred - The earth and sky are yours to embrace as your wings take flight. Fly free and behold the Grace of God.

Mark Weller

October 18, 2007

Freddy was a good friend with a warm smile and big heart. We shared many fun times and he always could make me laugh! I will miss him very much and am saddened by his passing. My condolences to his family.

Diane Craig (Statler)

October 18, 2007

My deepest sympathies to Fred's bio and Statler families. He was a friend to all and he will be dearly missed. "All the angels in heaven opened their arms to welcome the newcomer."

Melanie & Rick Mehlenbacher

October 18, 2007

I worked with Fred at Statler and was sad to hear the news. To his family, please know that our thoughts are with you.

Kathy (Seamon) Thomas

October 18, 2007

I worked with Fred for years at the Ramada and then the Statler. We had some good times that I will never forget. I have only seen him briefly when visitng the Statler over the last few months. He has always been a special person. He will be really missed. I will say a prayer for Fred.

Lesley Yorke

October 18, 2007

Our world was brightened by Fred's gracious wit and the special care with which he treated every guest and diner at the Statler Hotel. Fred knew my tastes and offered gimme! coffee in my own special pot at every event I hosted. Thank you and bless you, my friend. My prayers and condolences to his family.

Christine Petrick

October 18, 2007

To Everyone,
It's one of the hardest things to bear, the loss of someone we loved. Take comfort in knowing that he is at peace now. We feel priviledged to have known such a nice person. We hope your memories will help make your sorrow easier to bear.
We didn't know Fred very well but I do know that he was a spirtiual person who loved the earth, animals, and his family very much. Keep your memories of him in your heart and he will always be with you.
We love you all!!
Chris (Janice's sister), John, Jasmine, Courtney, and Hunter Petrick

Davey Jones

October 18, 2007

Fred was a great guy and friend. He will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to his family and friends at this time and in the days ahead.

Mary Lou Mattoon

October 18, 2007

To Fred's family

I work at Cornell and have known Fred when we had functions at the Statler or when I was there having lunch. He ALWAYS was so friendly and funny. I shall miss his smiling face. My thoughts are with all of you.
Mary Lou

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