Fred Bright

Fred Bright December 17, 1934 - Nov. 18, 2008 Fred Bright, 73, of Geneseo, N.Y., passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008. Born on Dec. 17, 1934, in Aaronsburg, he was a son of the late Ray L. and Mary (Zubler) Bright. Fred was a lifelong educator and coach at State University of New York at Geneseo. He graduated from East Penns Valley High School, earned his bachelor of science degree at Lock Haven State College (1957), and his master's in education degree in recreation education from Penn State (1962). He served in the U.S. military in Europe from 1957 through 1959. Fred taught physical education in Lehighton (1959-1961) and was a recreation specialist with the state of Vermont (1962-1964) before joining the SUNY Geneseo faculty in 1964. During his tenure at Geneseo, Bright held a number of posts. These include Associate Professor of Health and Physical Education (1971-1995), Chair of the Physical Education Department (1984-1991), and Director of Sports Information (1991-1995). Throughout his career he was actively engaged in many community and college programs. He recently received the Damore Distinguished Service Award from the State University of New York Athletic Conference. Fred's passion for coaching and fitness grew from his own playing experiences on soccer and baseball fields throughout Centre County, in The Pennsylvania State College System, and with European Leagues. In 1980, he brought womens soccer to Geneseo. He compiled an all-time conference record of 177-62-17. During this period his teams won four SUNYAC championships, five ECAC Upstate New York Tournament crowns, appeared in three consecutive NCAA tournaments, and reached the Final Four in 1994, his final year of coaching. That year he became the National Soccer Coaches Coach of the Year/Northeast. After his official retirement in 1995, Fred turned his attention to another of his great passions: telling stories. Some of his favorites will appear in the soon-to-be-published "SUNY Geneseo: From Normal School to Public Ivy." Bright is survived by his wife Joan Fisher; two daughters, Carol Lethin, of Vestal, N.Y., and Sharon Kraynik, of Rochester, N.Y.; a son, Jeffrey Bright, of Rochester, N.Y., and three grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Jim Bright, of Reedsville. To all those who wish to honor Fred Bright's memory please consider a donation to The Geneseo Foundation, Erwin 201, 1 College Circle, Geneseo NY, 14454, or to the Teresa House, 21 Highland Road, Geneseo, NY, 14454.