Frederick C. Sickles

1917 - 2010

Frederick C. Sickles lived a life of service and leadership. Frederick C, Sickles, Teacher and Patriarch who lived and served as an example of Faith and Virtue, Dies at 92. He served 5 years active duty in WW II in U.S. Army Air Force, 25 years in NYAR National Guard, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, and 23 years in the NYC Fire Department, retiring with the rank of Captain. Mr. Sickles died peacefully Friday, January 22, 2010, in the loving care of 3 generations of his family and committed personnel of Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills. A leader and public servant, Mr. Sickles was a beloved teacher. He served as a cadet instructor in the Army Air Corps, as a Captain teaching cadets at New York City's Fire College, as well as founding and training members of the Citrus Springs Volunteer Fire Department. Fred was also a founding member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Citrus Springs where he was head usher for 25 years and President of the Men's' Association for 5 years. Mr. Sickles was thought of as man of unobtrusive presence and strong faith who would lend a helping hand without ever being asked.
Those who knew him best also knew a man who loved to compete. He held himself to the highest standards of excellence in all that he undertook: care for his church, his family, and his athletics: football, golf, and fishing (still holds the record for one of the largest striped bass in the family). Born in Flushing, New York, on October 4, 1917, Fred Sickles was the oldest of six children born to Lillian (Fink) and Frederick Sickles. Mr. Sickles graduated with honors from Xavier Military Academy in New York City, was offered an opportunity to play football at Cornell University before being drafted into the Army, and later played semi-professional football for the N.Y. Giants.
Mr. Sickles is survived by his three children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the Sickles family has requested donations be made to the Hospice of Citrus County or Hospice of the Carolina Foothills (130 Forest Glen Dr., Columbus, NC 28722). Visitation will be at Fero Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 27, at 11 a.m. Reception immediately after mass in the parish hall. Interment at Fero Memorial Gardens at 1:45 p.m. following the reception.