Fred Antonowich

1930 - 2021

Fred Antonowich, MD passed away on January 5, 2021 at the North Carolina Veterans Home in Kinston, NC.
"Dr. A" was born on June 22, 1930 in the South Bronx in New York City to Anastasia (Shakur) and Alexander Antonowich. Music was integral to his life from a young age; his first paycheck was for playing drums in his father's band for 50 cents at age 12. He was also proficient in piano and accordion. He was accepted into the prestigious Music and Arts High School in Manhattan where he studied classical trumpet and had the honor of playing first trumpet in a concert conducted by Leonard Bernstein. He attended Brooklyn College where he made a habit of kicking off the loafers of the beautiful girl sitting next to him, and four years later he and that girl, Victoria Mizger, would be married in Brooklyn, NY.
He always dreamed of being a doctor, and used his musical talents to put himself through NYU Medical School, from which he graduated as a surgeon in 1956. He served as Captain in the US Air Force and then started his surgery practice in Mt. Kisco, NY, which thrived from 1960 until his retirement in 1985. Fred and Vicki raised their family, son Michael and daughter Stacy, in nearby Chappaqua, NY. He was a member of the Westchester chapter of The Lions Club, where he served as president and in 1982 was awarded Outstanding Lion Of The Year, an honor which had not been bestowed for the previous 7 years. He also served on the board of The American Cancer Society.
Fred enjoyed painting and drawing, and was also an accomplished cook – he made a mean batch of cheese blintzes and delighted his family and friends with his specialty, Portuguese pork and clams. He loved to salt-water fish and caught an 8' 9" blue marlin off the coast of Jamaica. But he was finally hooked when he discovered the Florida Keys, where he and Vicki have gone almost every year since 1972. Travelling was another favorite hobby, and he loved planning vacations which took his family throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, and beyond. Music remained Fred's greatest passion. He fell in love with Dixieland Jazz and soon started his own band, Dr. Jazz and the Dixieland Allstars, playing at many charity events and fundraisers. One of the highlights was when they played a wedding on a boat, and as they drifted through the harbor a small flotilla motored behind them, to hear the music and join in the fun. There were also the legendary summer house parties around the pool.
When he retired from private practice in 1985, he and Vicki moved to Kinston, NC where he worked in the emergency room, played his trumpet, and continued to paint, fish, and spend the winters in his beloved Florida Keys. When possible he spent time with his seven wonderful grandchildren. His quick wit, his many talents, and his terrible jokes will be missed by all.
Dr. Antonowich will be interred at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro, NC. A memorial service will be conducted at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please make any donations to the Community Counsel For The Arts in Kinston, NC or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.