Fred J. Liedke Jr.

Fred J. Liedke, Jr.
With family by his side, Fred Liedke, 82, of Northford, CT, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025. Born on January 20, 1943, he was the son of the late Gertrude (Lendhart) and Frederick John Liedke, Sr. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Louise (Harley) Liedke, and two children, Catheryn (Joseph) Franco of Hope Valley, RI, and Jack Liedke of Delray Beach, FL. He is the brother of Charles (Francis) Liedke and leaves behind numerous cousins and extended family. Fred was immensely proud of his four grandchildren, Jillian and Joseph Franco, and Jacob and Matthew Liedke. A graduate of Hamden High School, he earned a bachelor's degree from High Point University in North Carolina, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. His career as a mechanical engineer began at the family business, L. R. Brown Manufacturing, and continued at Camco Fittings and Ideal Forging. He was a Third Degree Mason and former member of the Shriners Pyramid Temple Motor Patrol, delighting parade-goers throughout New England in his tiny red T-Bird. Fred also served with the Northford Volunteer Fire Department, where he supported the Junior Firefighters Program. A licensed ham radio operator with the Meriden Amateur Radio Club, he had a lifelong enthusiasm for electronics. Fred especially enjoyed the Connecticut shoreline, camping at Hammonasset Beach and Riverdale Campground, and boating with family and friends as a member of the Indian Neck Yacht Club in Branford. Those who know him will remember Fred's remarkable musical talent, entertaining family and friends with the accordion, piano, and guitar. He will be missed, but his legacy of music, humor, generosity, and larger-than-life personality lives on.
Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday, August 24th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a brief service to follow at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Ave, North Haven, CT. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, online, or at: JDRF, PO Box 37920, Boone, IA, 50037-0920.