Frederick J. LaRue

Frederick J. LaRue, age 89, of Massena, NY, and formerly Auburndale, FL, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after a brief stay at the Massena Rehabilitation & Nursing Care facility, surrounded by his loving family.

Fred was born on April 15, 1936, in Massena to Frederick and Alice (Jessmer) LaRue. He entered the US Army in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1958. He then went to work at American Dry Cleaners and on to Reynolds Metals (Alcoa) where he retired as a pot tender after 34 years.

Fred's passion and love was fishing. In his younger years, if you couldn't find him, you knew he was at his favorite fishing spot. He also enjoyed bowling, camping, traveling, playing a round of golf, playing shuffleboard (aka the shuffleboard shark), and mostly spending time with family. He was always quick with a smile and chuckle, which gave him the nickname "Chuckles". He was a member of the Massena American Legion Post No. 79 and Winter Haven American Legion Post No. 8.

Fred is survived by his wife, Sharleen (Brothers) Bradish, of 34 years, of Auburndale, Florida (formerly Massena, NY); his children, Rick (Martha) LaRue of Oswego, NY, Elaine (Frank) Billings of Hogansburg, NY, and David (Brian LaVair) LaRue of Potsdam, NY; his stepchildren, Steve (Kathy) Bradish of Cortland, NY, Janice (Chad) Laffin of Massena, NY, Beverly Von Pless (fiancé Carl Blomquist) of Fort Mill, SC, Bruce (Koren) Bradish of Massena, NY, Robert (Betsey) Bradish of Blacklick, OH, and Kelly Bradish of Massena, NY; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; his last remaining sibling, a sister, Bertha Mott of Massena, NY; and his former wife, Barbara (Gardner) Lauber, mother of his children.

He is predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Alice (Jessmer) LaRue; sisters, Julia LaShomb, Beulah Suzdak, Bernice Kellison and Irene Phelix, along with his brothers, Theron and Moses LaRue and Lawrence and James Ober.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church in Massena. A burial with full military honors will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Brasher Falls.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Phillips Memorial Home in Massena, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, Meals on Wheels, or American Legion

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.PhillipsMemorial.com