Fred Diute

Fred Diute
of Vero Beach, FloridaFred Diute, of Vero Beach, Fla., passed away July 20, 2004 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Fred was born June 9, 1929 in Binghamton. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Julia and Nick Diute; and a sister, Ida Diute. He is survived by two loving daughters, Mary and Julie Diute; his former wife, Cynthia Harris; brother, Robert Diute; sister-in-law, Kathy Diute; and nephew, Greg Diute; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Fred was a devoted father who adored his two daughters and showered them with generosity and kindness. Fred attended Binghamton Central High School where he starred in basketball and baseball. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University where he was captain of the basketball team and an All American basketball player. He led the Bonnies to the NIT Tournament and national recognition. Fred also played in the NBA for the Rochester Royals and the Milwaukee Hawks under Coach Red Holzman. Fred served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He lived in Harrisburg, Pa., with his family for many years, where he was the most successful national sales representative for Champions Sportswear. After retirement, Fred thoroughly enjoyed meeting people and socializing at "Fred's Hot Dogs", once located behind Ken Wilson Chevrolet. Fred was very personable and lived life to the fullest. He became an accomplished tennis player in his mid-life and loved to banter and jest with his opponents. He was a fixture at the Recreation Park tennis courts where he enjoyed playing with his shirt off. Fred spent the last 6 years in Vero Beach, Fla., where he played tennis and sunbathed on the beach and according to Fred, it was the best time of his life. Fred had countless friends in addition to five special lifelong friends, Fred Eydt, Joe Shattan, Pete Tierno, Pete Wilcox and Ken Wilson. Fred will be missed by all who knew this wonderful spirited man.
Memorial services will be conducted Saturday, July 31, 2004, at 10 a.m. at the James V. DeMarco & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson, N.Y., where the family will receive friends from 8:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Fred's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 31 Adams Avenue, Endicott, N.Y. 13760.