Paul M. Fredricks

Paul M. Fredricks

Red Hook - Paul Fredricks, 80, passed away peacefully on Feb 23, 2015 after a heroic battle with cancer. He will be remembered for his handsome and welcoming smile, gravely voice, pocketed vest and wide brimmed hat. He was often seen around the village of Red Hook or in his office at Apple Valley Realty. Born Mar 24, 1934 in Manhattan as Paul Mundhausen , he moved with his family to Barrytown at age 14. Paul attended the Red Hook Public School where he was a star Basketball and Baseball player. He then went on to NYU where he graduated in Communications and started a career in Television. Paul changed his last name to Fredricks because ethnic names were a liability on screen at that time. He worked his way up from the very bottom as Prop Boy until he became a Producer at Channel 5 TV. As he recalled, it was the heyday of television. He returned to Red Hook in the mid 1970s. Paul became a dedicated leader and volunteer and was recently honored for his many years of service; as a member and chair of the Board of Assessment Review, as the Town Zoning Enforcement Officer, as a charter member of the Egbert Benson Historical Society, for his part in the restoration of the Elmendorph Inn, as a long-time member and President of the Red Hook Chamber of Commerce, and as a member and chair of the St. Margaret's Committee. He will also be remembered for his his curious and superior capacity as a dowser. Paul was a loving partner, good friend, adoring GrandPaul, caring surrogate dad, and respected community member.

He is survived by Lottie Kittner, his Sweetheart and business partner of nearly 40 years, her children, Cathy Kittner Garner, Cary Kittner and Steve Kittner, beloved grandsons Caegan Quimby, Theo Quimby and Ryan Kittner, sister Inge Pulver, brother and sister-in-law Bill and Peggy Mundhausen, numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, a large extended family, and many friends and associates who will miss him dearly.

Per Paul's request, instead of a service, he asked that we celebrate his life every day by being kind to one another. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to The St. Margaret's Committee, 7461 S. Broadway, Town of Red Hook, NY. Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett and White Funeral Home in Red Hook - to sign the guest book please visit www.Burnett-White.com.