George Leo Fredette Jr.

George Leo Fredette, Jr passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family on November 19, 2025 after long health struggles.

George was born in Plattsburgh NY to George and Almira (Trombley) on July 5, 1940. He graduated from Mount Assumption Institute in 1958 . He was married to Shirley Fredette in Aug of 1963 in Plattsburgh. George worked in the paper mill until 1965 when he moved across the big pond to work at IBM. His career as a Maintenance Technician lasted almost 30 years, retiring in 1992. During his stint at IBM, George and Shirley resided in Essex Junction where they raised 2 boys Robert and Brian. After Shirley's death in 1990, he met and married Joyce (Geno) in 1993. The two enjoyed their life and love being "snow birds" spending summers in Vt and winters in Florida.

George had a deep love for cars, whether it be driving or fixing. He was known as the "hot shoe" of Plattsburgh due to his need for speed. He loved racing and was an active pit crew member of a local team, Bernie Griffith. George could often be found at one of the local tracks from Catamount Speedway to Thunder Road. As he got older, the need to drive never subsided.

He was an avid supporter of Essex sports from Little League to High School often donating uniforms and monetary gifts. He was often behind the backstop cheering on the Essex team or heckling the umpires. Usually both.

In 1981, George made the most important decision of his life by becoming sober at Maple Leaf Farm. He dedicated his life to sobriety and leading others in their journey. He was an integral member of the AA community in both Vt and Florida, chairing meetings and attending social events.

George loved his role as grandpa to Jacob. His love for Jacob was evident when they were together, supporting Jake in baseball or playing his drums.

George was preceded in death by his father George Sr., mother Almira, Shirley and Joyce. He is survived by his two sons Robert from Colchester, Brian and his wife Gretchen from North Carolina, his grandson Jacob, 6 brothers: John and wife Donna, Tom and wife Carmen, Andy and wife Mary-Jean, Ron and wife Linda, Joe and wife Julie, Mike and wife Cathy, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family of George wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the University of Vermont Medical Center, Home Health & Hospice and Cardiology teams for their loving care.

Visiting Hours will be 6 to 8pm on Monday, November 24th at Corbin & Palmer Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant Street, Essex Junction. Funeral services will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Essex on Tuesday, November 25th at 11 AM. A reception will be held at the Holy Family Parish Center following the service, all are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George's name to the Saint Francis Xavier parish.

A spring burial will follow at Holy Family Cemetery.