Fred Fry

1909 - 2013

Fred Fry, 103, died peacefully May 27, 2013 at Summerhill Assisted Living, Peterborough, NH after a short period of failing health.

He was born in South Williamsport, PA on November 7, 1909, the son of Sarah (Katie) and Edward Muncy Fry. As Fred often recounted, he was the fifth son, and remained unnamed until his mother heard someone delivering a load of coal call his horse Fred, and she chose that name for her new son.

He grew up in Williamsport, PA, and worked as a manager at the American Grocery Store. He married Betty Fry on October 5, 1935. He was drafted into World War II in 1943, serving in the US Navy/Pacific Theatre as a trenion operator and a cook on LST 1017 Tank Landing Transport Ship. Fred was proud of his service, and was awarded the American Legion Cane on Memorial Day 1998 in Peterborough.

After the war, Fred worked at AVCO Lycoming, then, later worked as a purchasing agent for Armour Leather until his retirement in 1966. He and his father-in-law build a house that his family would live in for almost twenty years. Fred and Betty relocated to Peterborough, NH in 2006 to live near their son. During his last years, he was surrounded by a group of very loving caregivers, whom he called "his girls".

He was a very faithful and active member of Church of the Savior in Williamsport, and served communion to residents of the Williamsport Home Retirement Community, where he and Betty lived for eighteen years.

Shortly after his 100th birthday, Fred took up painting as a hobby. Although eventually he chose varied subject matter, he painted several hundred birds. He had a couple of exhibits, including one at the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.

Fred was a kind and beloved person, whose positive outlook on life never left him. He always had a story to tell, and a quickness of wit. His memory will bring a smile to the face of the many who loved him.

Fred is survived by a son Stanley and his wife Cheri of Peterborough, NH, and a daughter Barbara Jackson and her husband Tommy of Jacksonville, FL; four grandsons, Ryan Fry and his wife Bethany of Lee, NH, Jared Fry and his wife Jennifer of Boston, MA, Shawn Bair of Jacksonville, FL, and Dustin Jackson of Orange Park, FL; one granddaughter Danel Bair-Howard and her husband Scott of Jacksonville, FL; three great grandchildren, Taylor and Amber Howard, and Emma Fry.

His wife of 75 years, whom he affectionately always called "my Betty" died in 2011 after sharing over 75 years of marriage. Their long and caring relationship was an inspiration to all who knew them. In addition to his parents, four brothers predeceased Fred: Luther Edward Fry, James Augusta Fry, Robert William Fry, and Frank George Fry.

Memorial Contributions may me made to Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services (HCS), PO Box 564, Keene, NH 03431.

A memorial celebration will be held at a later date.

Jellison Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.jellisonfuneralhome.com to view and online obituary.