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Frederick Powers Obituary
January 24, 2025
Frederick William Powers, 70, of Syracuse, NY passed away peacefully on January 24th surrounded by loved ones. Born to Donald Powers and Margaret Briant (Minichillo), Fred graduated from Cicero High School. He was a member of the baseball team. Later, Fred earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Syracuse University. A proud Orange, Fred spent the better part of his career working in advocacy and Human Resources.
In the 1980s, Fred suffered a spinal cord injury, the result of a diving accident, which left him paralyzed. He set an inspiring standard for what it means to live fully with a disability. Fred's life changed profoundly, once again, when he met his future wife, Joan. The perfect pairing, theirs was a love that time will never diminish. Over 30 years of extended February vacations, dinners in Manhattan, summer escapes to Saratoga, and, for a time, long drives in their classic Mercedes SL convertible. Fred absolutely adored his remarkable grandchildren and cherished time spent together. This was highlighted by a family trip to Kauai. He loved great food and wine, and entertaining is where both Fred and Joan shined.
He was a treasure. Smart, quick-witted, generous and kind, Fred modeled behaviors that you could not help but adopt. He taught us about strength, resilience, and the importance of living life on offense no matter the circumstance. Fred's impact on others was felt far, wide, and deep.
Surrounded by love in heaping measure, Fred is survived by his wife, Joan (Albert); sons, Brenton Neil of Wantagh, NY and Matthew Garrett of Del Mar, CA; grandson, Jack Powers; granddaughter, Mary Jane Powers; sisters, Peggy Powers and Debbie (John) O'Rourke. Fred also leaves behind an extended group of family and friends he loved so dearly which include: Alberts, Powers, Vecchiarellis, Minichillos, Harts, Hackers, among others, along with those special souls who helped Fred prepare for the day each morning. Fred was predeceased by his saint-like great aunt, Mary Minichillo.
There will be no calling hours, per Fred's wishes. His message to everyone: Please celebrate his full life in your own way.
Share condolences at www.faroneandsoninc.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Powers
Sponsored by The Family.
Bryan Seamon
July 16, 2025
Fred was a strong man, mentally and physically. Gave me inspiration early on in my life which modeled be into the person I am today. Love you Fred!!!
Matthew Garrett Powers
March 1, 2025
The messages mean so much to us.
Jeff Santee
February 28, 2025
Joan & family,
Our sincerest condolences. Fred was one of a kind & we will be forever grateful for all of his help over the years. Jeff would never had regained his independence without Fred´s help. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Gina & Jeff Santee
Joanne Lawson
February 23, 2025
In loving memory of Uncle Fred. He was one-of-a-kind-so kind, generous, and always ready to make us laugh. He had a way of making everyone feel special and loved. We´ll miss him, and our hearts go out to Joan, Brent, Matt and the rest family. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Joanne, Matt, & Hannah
Colleen McCann Scheuer
February 15, 2025
Rest in peace Uncle Fred. You were such an amazing example of strength, perseverance, and grace before we even understood the lessons we were being taught. We were all blessed to know you and call you family. Sending love, strength and peace to Joan, Matt, Brent, Peg, Jack and AJ. . Colleen and Emma
Staci Rizzo
February 11, 2025
Joan, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I will never forget Fred, he was truly one of a kind!
Steve Shufelt
February 4, 2025
Very sad to see hear this news. Fred was such a great guy and friend. My condolences to his family. RIP Fred.
Bunis Famiy
February 2, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. The Bunis family
Dillaboughs
February 2, 2025
Godspeed Fred . The most quick witted and funniest guys that I´ve ever known. You were part of our Hart Family. Rest Peacefully. Prayers for strength and comfort for all Loved ones. Thinking of you Peg in this difficult time.
Mike Terranova
February 1, 2025
Fred was a great person. Loved our dinners, visits and wine trips we went with Joan and him. Rest in peace and say hi to Sabine in heaven.
Marybeth
February 1, 2025
Fred was one of my very favorite friends from high school. My sincere condolences to the family.
Krissy Keating
February 1, 2025
You will be so missed Uncle Fred, you made an impression on so many. To this day my boys remember going out to dinner with you and Joan while you were visiting Colorado. They were amazed by you.
Love,
Krissy, Jerry, Matt & Tyler Keating
Lou Bregou
February 1, 2025
Fred was a special man- I don´t know many people who made me laugh like Fred did.His love and care for others was amazing.
Laurie Frank
February 1, 2025
I enjoyed working with you fred..
This was a job I couldn't wait to get too
Your laughter and cheer really pulled me thru on some days..you had a special charm about you..very well dressed.. well spoken You will be missed! My prayers to you Joan & family. Rest easy fred
Paul Bowe
February 1, 2025
worked with Fred at Wegmans for many years in Human Resources. He was well respected, kind, insightful, and always had a
good sense of humor. I will miss him, thoughts and prayers to all members of his family.
Matthew Garrett
February 1, 2025
Thank you everyone for sharing. I love reading the posts. Here is my favorite pic of Dad and our incredible Joanie. Fate smiled on Dad -and all of us, when it brought Joan and her entire family including the remarkable Roy & Louise, into our lives.
Joe Cottrell
February 1, 2025
R I P Fred , thoughts and prayers, we had lots of great times at Carroll's Hamburgers when you were my boss, you were a great friend!
Jim Grillo
February 1, 2025
I knew Fred long ago. He loved life, sports, and horses. Glad that never changed. RIP
Matthew Garrett
February 1, 2025
A single person is missing for you and the whole world is empty. I love you so much, dad. You are my hero.
Debbie&Joe
January 31, 2025
One of our first memories of Fred was his personality. Back then Joe could be a bit intimidating, but it was like Fred had known him for years. He got us talking and laughing and feeling comfortable in a short period of time. We really were able to get to know him after we moved to Denver. We spent plenty of time with him and Joan when he would come out to Craig Hospital. He didn´t enjoy flying,but he did appreciate how the hospital helped him. That´s where we learned they loved preparing and cooking and eating good food. We hit many a good restaurant while they were here. One was a must because they saw it on the Food Channel! He even taught Joe about grilling. Our girls and grandkids were able join us at some of our get togethers. Our girls like us so appreciated his love of life. The grandkids remember riding on his wheelchair at the mall and going to the Rockies baseball game. We weren´t able to make any of their parties in Syracuse, but my family totally enjoyed them and talked about them. Making us thrilled and a bit jealous,Fred was still part of my family and doing what he had done from the beginning. Bringing us together and enjoying every minute. Big hugs and love Fred
Sara
January 31, 2025
You will be missed Uncle Fred
Love, Sara, Josh, and Brielle
Dan
January 31, 2025
Fred, always had me laughing loved the parties you and Joan had. Gonna miss you. Always my brother . Dan and Teri
Karin Vladimer
January 31, 2025
My dear friend,
I can´t begin to describe how I´ve missed you. You looked out for me when we were young. Your sweetness, kindness and generosity will always be how I remember you.
Thinking of you Joan with sincere condolences.
Dorothy
January 31, 2025
Fred, You were always loved by ALL and will be sorely missed. Love ya Dorothy hart
Doreen Albanese
January 31, 2025
Soo many great memories! Fred and Joan the best family parties...looked forward to them each year . Babysitting for Brent and Matt you always had the best music to listen to you were like another big brother and you will be missed
Bobbi Skoczen Marafino
January 31, 2025
Dear Joan and family, I met Fred when we rode the bus together in high school.. over the years he was so sweet, friendly, and always happy. I ended up being one of his first nurses after his accident and his personality hadn´t changed at all. He was always kind and funny and looked out for other patients in the same situation. It was so appropriate that he became a patient advocate and educator. We met again when he came to speak to staff working with neurologically impaired people. He was one of those people that could make you feel like you just saw him the other day! My heart goes out to you, I know he will be terribly missed!
Angel
January 31, 2025
Sending my love and prayers to the Powers family. Fred was very kind to me and welcomed me into the family with open arms. Many fond memories of Christmas Eve and family gathering's. We will hold our memories of Fred close to our hearts and continue to share his story of strength.
Ryan
January 31, 2025
Our deepest condolences. We´re gonna miss you Uncle Fred.
- Love Ryan, Hannah, Evelyn and Cal
Matthew Garrett
January 31, 2025
A single person is missing for you and the whole world feels empty. I love you, Dad.
Demetria Golden
January 31, 2025
My deepest heartfelt condolences Mrs Joan it was a pleasure taking care of Mr Fred I give you my prayers of comfort during this difficult time
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