FRED GARBERS

GARBERS--Fred,

86, died peacefully on February 4, 2017 surrounded by family and friends. He was the husband of Bernice Belth, father of Gordon Gray, Alexandra Pruner, Samantha Garbers, father-in-law of Connie Gray, David Pruner and Scott Adams, grandfather of Alex, Christopher and Angela Gray, Dagney and Collier Pruner, Will and John Adams, brother of Jackie Snyder. A native New Yorker who left South Ozone Park for Cooper Union and the cultural fervor of Manhattan in the 1950s, Fred was also an honorary citizen of Wellfleet and Venice, places in which he found inspiration for his paintings and collages, works he described as "a kind of abstract surrealism." He had a contagious lust for life and brought joy to all who knew him. Driven by the depth of his feelings for the people he loved, an unyielding commitment to his art, and his enthusiasm for all things Italian, Fred was fun to be with whether he was explaining the power of a Bellini altarpiece or expressing outrage about people who voted against their self-interest by rejecting progressive policies. His incredulity was part of his charm and testimony to his great humanity. In this troubled world, his death leaves an indelible void. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations can be made in his name to the ACLU or Planned Parenthood.