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Fred Knittle Obituary
Fred was born and raised in Utica, New York, attended Utica College, and is a Veteran of World War II. In 1949, he met, Barbara Essel, and they married in 1951. After working for the YMCA in New York and Chicago, Fred became Director of Development for the Clarke School for the Deaf. He was with the school for nearly thirty years, raising over 22 million dollars during that time. He retired in 1987. After Fred retired, he joined the Young@Heart Chorus, and he spent most of the time in retirement singing with the group.
Fred is missed terribly by his wife of 57 years, Barbara, and their four children, including Bob Knittle of Worcester, his wife Mary (Herlihy), and their four children: Sean, Megan, Brian and Michael.
In lieu of flowers, it is Fred's wish that donations be made to one of three worthy organizations: The Young@Heart Chorus, The Clarke School for the Deaf and VNA & Hospice of Cooley Dickinson. Calling hours will be from 3-7 p.m., Friday, January 9, at the Ahearn Funeral Home, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton. A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at St. Joseph's Church in Hatfield at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 10.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Knittle
Sponsored by Laura Marshall.
Mark Anthony Grubb
October 26, 2024
Mr. Fred Knittle's 2006 performance of "Try To Fix You" inspired me and made me cry. I still watch him sing that song with a spirit of inspiration and peace. I hope you are breathing the breath of heaven and are brand new now in paradise. You touched many lives. You and Young at Heart Chorus have changed my life and my outlook on it. Thank you.
Patty
January 26, 2024
Thank you for sharing so much with so many. People continue to discover the beautiful song, Fix You that you performed.
Ajna
November 28, 2023
We had a chance today in class to watch a documentary about Young at Heart Chorus and Fred's performance of Fix You brought tears to our eyes and touched us in such a deep way. such a beautiful song combined with Fred's unique, incredible voice. Thank you for the lovely performance and song Fred.
Anthony Wyatt
May 3, 2020
We were in England when Channel 4 showed the film and Fred singing 'Fix you' really moved us.
we then lived in Duxbury MA but are now in Scotland, locked down during this terrible virus. Fred's song came to mind as appropriate to this awful time, so I play the film of him singing to warm our hearts.
Thank you Fred for the gift of this song.
sincerely,
Anthony Wyatt.
Paul N
February 16, 2019
Thinking of you fred
Stephen Carr
July 6, 2018
Rest in peace Fred
You bought a tear to a hardened heart
You were a gentleman and a fine Man
Thank You
May 31, 2018
love your chorus video... rest in peace, brother
Michael
February 20, 2018
Everytime I get in touch with life's rough side I listen to Fred Knittle's version of Fix You.
So did I the past days. Thank you for fixing me!
fiona berkeley
August 25, 2017
I first listened to this a few years ago and it brought tears to my eyes. For some reason I listened to Fred again tonight and I feel he must have been such a wonderful person, husband, father, grandfather, friend, I wish I had known him. I wish all the family lots of happy memories of him, and especially his wife of so many years.
dana gale
January 3, 2017
A few days ago, one of my facebook friends asked folks to share their favorite song,so that he might get to know others better. and so I shared the song, I will fix you, the most beautiful version sung by Fred Knittle. I think Mr. Knittle touched the hearts of millions with that song, and it seems with his life as well.
Melanie Young
April 2, 2016
It is wonderful that even after all this time, Fred still touches hearts around the world. My love to his family...blood and heart connected.
Andy Staff
March 4, 2016
Today, in the office, we watched "Carpool Karaoke" with James Cordon, and Chris Martin from Coldplay. We listened to their songs, and then "Fix you" came up. And right away, I had to show my colleagues Fred Knittle's version of "Fix you", who didn't know Young@Heart. And they like it a lot. I listen to this version very often, and I am happy that I found it. Thank you Fred Knittle, for your rendition!
Linda Jones-Mann
February 6, 2016
Your presence and music transcended so much to me and shared this rendition on FB he will always live on such a gentleman and performer and did so much in his life having read up,RIP Fred so glad I saw and heard you , love to all your family x
Nicki Dilasser
January 9, 2016
I just watched this amazing man sing on You Tube. Such a fantastic voice and I wish I couldve seen him singing in concert.Love to his family.x
John Hastings
November 8, 2015
I'm going to help this video go viral. There has already been well over a million views on some versions of it and translated into multiple other languages as well...
WWII Hero, deserves a medal.
Kathy C
November 7, 2015
The Fix you video is still being watched and appreciated. Thank you.
Hans Rasmussen
August 14, 2015
Thank you Fred for your wonderful contributions in this life. Hearing you sing 'Fix you' by Coldplay brought my to tears like nothing before. I went and read about your life afterwards. It's nice to see that there is always some genuinly nice people out there. Thank you for everything.
Tim Devolder
August 5, 2015
Thx for the special song "Fix You"
Paul Dunford
July 30, 2015
Hi
I just felt I had to send you a note to let you know of another person that didn't know Fred, but on whom his singing had a profound effect. I'm not one that is normally touched so strongly by an emotional song but Fred's interpretation of Fix You, and the look on his face as he sang it in the Y@H film, is truly one of the most memorable and remarkable things I have heard and seen.
I lost the video a couple of years ago when one of my recorders broke down but I am glad to say I checked it out on YouTube and now have the recording safely kept for the future. It never left me. Once seen, never forgotten. The only trouble is I find it hard to watch unless I'm alone. It never fails to bring tears to my eyes.
I didn't know Fred but somehow I don't need to have done to see what a remarkable man he was. I know his family will never forget him and it must be comforting for you to know that complete strangers from across the Atlantic won't forget him either.
Rose Hair
May 24, 2015
I just seen Young @ Heart and was moved by such wonderful talent. Fred you have touched my heart and I am forever changed. Nothing is impossible, and I am now convinced of that. Wish I could have been there when you sang "Fix you".
September 15, 2014
What a great voice you had Fred. Heaven just got a little more lively. Rip.
Hans
September 1, 2014
I saw the young@heart chorus film yesterday. What a powerful man. Inspired from the chorus and esp. Fred today anything seemed to be a little easier.
September 1, 2014
es ist sicher ungewöhnlich, auf deutsch zu schreiben in diesem Gästebuch, aber jedermann und jederfrau wird schnell verstehen, dass ich diese Zeilen in großer Bewunderung für diesen großartigen Sänger Fred Knittle schreibe und ich mich sehr, sehr selten mit meinen bisherigen 58 Jahren von jemandem, den ich "nur" aus dem Internet kenne, habe so berührt geführt. Ein wundervoller Beitrag für die Menschheit, liebe Grüße aus Bad Salzuflen, Deutschland
Miriam
March 6, 2014
I have only recently viewed the Young @ Heart documentary at the German TV, and Mr. Knittle's performance has touched me deeply. My sincerest condolences go out to his family
Alexander Borchert
February 12, 2014
My wife and I just watched the film. We are deeply moved by the film, but especially by Fred Knittle and his performance of Fix you. The world can be happy that this man has been part of it.
Adrian Jones
February 5, 2014
I wish that I had the opportunity to meet such a great person.
Adrian Jones
February 5, 2014
Alan
November 25, 2013
The lights have guided you to a better place. Thank You Fred and may you Rest In Peace.
Paul Pastorino
November 24, 2013
I knew Fred passed awhile ago, and somehow I found the "Fix You" clip again just recently. Having seen it many times, this time, I was struck by how Fred, as exhibited by the huge response of the audience at the end, left this stage -- and the stage of life -- with a standing ovation. What a way for a man of his history, his giving to the community and to people to exit. On top. How fortunate you all are who knew him well.
Marta
June 13, 2013
Just wanted to say Mr. Nemmers' words here are the same for me. Mr. K.s voice was gift from God I believe. Blessings for the family. We fans share tears of joy in his songs and sorrow in missing him. I appreciate the Fix You rendition being online to bless others in the future. Marta age 70
Mark Nemmers
January 20, 2013
For me, Fred Knittle was the standout singer and hilarious character of "Young @ Heart." Having recently turned 60 and being given a copy of the film, I was particularly taken with Fred's personality, sense of humor, and of course, his poignant performance of "Fix You," which raised goosebumps of emotion. After seeing the movie, I went on line, hoping to be track down Fred and send him an email of admiration. Sadly, I've just come across the news of his death a few years ago.
I feel like Fred and I, with our similar corny senses of humor and appreciation of music, could have been good friends had we met. I really regret not having gotten to know him.
So now I've gone out and bought the sheet music to "Fix You," and will, of course, always think of Fred's terrific, rich baritone performance of the song whenever I play and (try to) sing it.
My very best regards to his family.
Angela Magali Silva
December 22, 2012
Assistimos ao documentário sobre o coral Young at heart e ouvir Fred Knittle nos emocionou profundamente ! Grande músico e pelo o que Lemos depois, uma grande pessoa também ! Que Deus lhe abençoe
paulo cordeiro
December 18, 2012
Assisti o documentário e a apresentação de Fred, emocionante e a melhor interpretação de Fix You que já escutei. Espero que lá onde ele está esteja vendo (mesmo em português) estas mensagens. Fiquem com Deus.
Sylvia Turner
November 20, 2012
Such a modest, gentle man - Fred Knittle's rendition of Fix You is something I always treasure.
Luis Neto
September 28, 2012
Onte à noite passou na TV de Portugal um documentário sobre Young @ Heart... O tema interpretado pelo Fred Knittle tocou-me profundamente. Hoje vim à internet à procura de mais sobre o Fred, sobre o "Fix You" dos ColdPlay e sobre o Young@Heart. A versão do Fred Knittle é de longe a melhor... Obrigado por isso.
Luís Neto (Portugal)
Samantha
September 1, 2011
I too, have just recently came accross the documentary of Young @ Heart. It really touched me and made me really think about life. ENJOY IT! And in the end, we all pass. Fred took out the fear of death that I had. I am no longer scard to die. And if I do, I know I had a great life. Rest in Peace Fred Knittle...
Adam
August 21, 2011
I have only recently viewed the Young @ Heart documentary, and Mr. Knittle's performance and presence was emotionally gripping and nothing short of inspirational. My thoughts are with his loved ones, whom I'm sure feel and miss his presence every day that I consider myself lucky to get even a small glimpse of. My sincerest condolences go out to his family.
Piotr Maliszewski
August 12, 2011
Every time I see Fred's performance singing "Fix You" it's always touching me very deeply and I can't stop crying. My father died of cancer in 2008 and this song reminds me of him. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this.
A fan Forever
April 15, 2011
I came across "Young at Heart" on PBS. I was touched by Fred's version of "Fix You", but my favorite was his rendition of "Stayin' Alive". May his spirit and love of life stay alive in all of us. My sincere condolences to his family.
Tim Morgenthaler
March 12, 2011
You know, there are some people that just change a room by their simply being in it. Although I never met Fred I truly believe -based on what I have knowledge of- That he was one of those people and I'm glad the Young at Heart Group gave us the privilege of his insight, personality and voice.
Christina Wetterling
February 12, 2011
I put the Young at Heart DVD in the player about 1x per month, in part because of its east cost charm, but mainly because of the awesome, fun, life loving Seniors that are part of this group. The two that died during the preparations leading up to the concert made me sad and brings me to tears everytime I watch the video. And then finding out that Fred had passed, sadened me even more! Fred has a larger than life Spirit that I love. I wish I would have met him. Each time I watch the show his zest for life shines through. I love that my 15 year old enjoys watching the show with me! He loves Fix You.... And Fred's version of it is very touching... Thanks for sharing your son, brother, husband, dad and friend with us! All my thoughts, prayers, and blessings. Christina Wetterling & Noah
Bob Knittle
February 7, 2011
Dear Friends,
I want to again thank Laura Marshall, who's gracious donation allowed the guest book to remain open until next week. My Mom still loves it when we bring her the new posts that occur periodically. It is because of Laura, that we have this forum to share our loving memories. Thank you again for your amazing kindness. Peace to all!
Peggi Karnes
January 31, 2011
I am honored to have just finished watching the Young@Heart movie on PBS and watching Mr. Knittle's performance of "Fix You," I was sorry to learn of his passing, but happy to hear he passed at peace and with his family. His story and those of the others has brought me great joy and his version of Fix You truly moved me, I'm writing this with tears still streaming down my face. Thank you for sharing him.
Dawn-Kate
January 23, 2011
I just had my 10th viewing of Young@Heart and I wanted to know whatever happened to Fred Knittle, the man with a golden voice and wonderful sense of humor. I was sad to learn that he passed away but I know he lived a long and amazing life. His family and friends were simply blessed to have this man in their life. He will live on in the hearts of many and be forever young.
The only thing that has been puzzling me is did his nephew Terry ever get the $1.87?
Rock on Fred, you were one the great ones in my book!
namaste
January 7, 2011
Quel interprète ! nous venons de voir Young Heart, beaucoup d'émotions, des moments de joie et de tristesse, un instant suspendu dans le temps, Quel bonheur, quelle leçon de vie, reposes en paix Fred
Nancy Lenox
November 8, 2010
His voice is so beautiful that it reaches right into your heart, makes you stop everyting (thoughts and actions) and surrender! I love his realness! A fine example of God's splendor! And Yes he made me cry too! May you be enjoying HEAVEN right this moment!
Nancy/Michigan/USA
September 19, 2010
I will never forget Fred Kittle and his amazing singing and determination in Young@Heart.... He is my "Elvis"
My heart goes out to his family who have lost him.
Mary
August 12, 2010
My wife and I watched Young @ Heart last night. I was especially taken by Fred Knittle. His performance of I will fix you was tremedous. My wife is still crying. Fred's personality reminded me of my own father who passed away 15 years ago. Peace be with you Fred and family.
Sincerely, Kevin and Holly Dillon
Olympia Casivant
August 10, 2010
My family and I just watched "Young at Heart" and loved it so! We are so touched with Mr. Knittle's performance of "Fix You", I haven't stopped crying yet. May all who have passed including Mr. Knittle that were in "Young at Heart" rest in eternal peace.
Debbie Mitchell
March 27, 2010
Wish I had known him personally! What a joy for living Fred had. It appears that he made everyone else better just by knowing him. Because of this film, he will never be forgotten by millions of people who never had the pleasure of meeting Fred. Thank you to the Knittle family for letting all of us participate in celebrating his life.
Jesse Alcala
February 7, 2010
Fred Knittle was an amazing man. A great man! I am so pleased that he was a part of the Young At Heart documentary and allowed many people to,in a sense, meet him and experience what an inspiration and joy he and the rest of the Young at Heart chorus are.
Gary Lea
January 19, 2010
I was so moved by the entire young@heart Movie but Fred singing "Fix You" is one the most moving things i've ever seen or heard.
He was amazing. I loved his humor also. I'm a PWA (person with AIDS) and a cancer survivor. I sing with "The San Francisco Gay Mens Chorus" Many of us have are PWAs and have lost so many people and parts of our lives to AIDs and it complications.
Bette Davis said "Getting old isn't for sissys" but like anything it Not what it is. Its how you deal with it.
I want to be Fred and go out there with my oxygen tank. He's such an inpiration. Music really does "Fix You".
You'll always be in my heart Fred.
Best wishes to your family.
Love
GAry Lea
XXOO
Mary Ann Dranchak
January 18, 2010
I just saw the 'Young At Heart' program on the Oregon Public Broadcasting system. What a wonderful group of folks and an inspiration to us all! I was so sorry to hear that Fred Knittle passed away--what a beautiful voice--his last song brought me to tears. It was so nice that he was able to share his singing talents with the rest of us. My condolences to the Knittle family. You are in my prayers.
Paul and Harriet Zuiker
January 14, 2010
My husband Paul, and ( I Harriet,) just watched Independent Lens this past
Monday on our public television station here in Neenah, Wisconsin, and were so impressed with this wonderful documentary regarding the "Young At Heart."
We laughed and we cried.
And...we feel like we know you, and your dear husband, Fred, that passed.
We just loved his sense of humor; as my husband and I are much too serious.
And...what a beautiful voice he had; sang from his heart.
I was just now sending e-mails to friends regarding this program being
re-aired tomorrow night, and decided to look up the "Young At Heart" web
page; learning the news about Fred.
Our condolences, Barbara, to you and your whole family.
May Fred now be singing with the angels, and keeping them "on their toes!"
Blessings on you now and in all the days ahead.
With Warm and Sincere Wishes...
The Zuiker's
Paul and Harriet
John Lynch
January 11, 2010
I just saw the show last night and like everyone else, had a tear in my eye when Mr. Knittle sang his solo.
He seemed to be a man full of life and didn't take him self too seriously as many people do.
A great set of pipes and a gentle man - I would have liked to meet him.
My sympathies to all of the Knittle family and may your memories sustain you through your grief.
January 9, 2010
After just watching Young at Heart, I was reminded that singing isn't about the perfect notes, or the exact rythym. It's about what Fred brought to the music, and that is heart. He sang Fix You so lovely and honestly. It's absolutely heartwrenching to think his good friend had just passed and he had such courage and strength to deliver that type of performance. He's an inspiration to singers everywhere, and I thank him. May he rest in peace and continue to bring joy to many through his music.
Tracy Dawes
December 16, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. My class watched Young At Hart and we are so sorry for your loss. We will keep him in our prayers...
Kathy Cahill
December 9, 2009
To the Knittle Family;
I watched Young at Heart again and read on the website that Fred has passed away earlier this year. I'm so sorry for your loss. What a terrific man -- talented, funny and charming! I hope your happy memories of him live on with all of you. I'm so glad I got to find out a bit about him and hear him sing.
PAUL GANELES
November 6, 2009
DEAR KNITTLE FAMILY,
MY WIFE, JOAN, AND I HAVE JUST SEEN
"YOUNG AT HEART". THAT FRED HAD SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART AND WAS FEATURED WAS A WONDERFUL SURPRISE TO ME. I HAVE RECENTLY MARRIED JOAN AND FIND THAT WE ARE TRULY YOUNG AT HEART. I WENT TO UTICA COLLEGE WITH FRED IN THE VERY FIRST CLASS OF THE SCHOOL, 1946, AND RECALL TIMES WE DID ACTING TOGETHER AND WERE ACTIVE SPORTS AND NEWSPAPER
CLUBS. I AM SURPRISED THAT I DID NOT SEE ANY GUEST BOOK ENTRIES BY OUR CLASS MATES FROM THE GRAD CLASS OF 1950.GOOD HEALTH TO YOU ALL. PAUL GANELES NEW ROCHELLE, NY
September 27, 2009
Thank you for sharing Fred's story, He seemed to truly be a bright light in this world.
Gayne Sears and Curt Palmer
Ietje Zeguers
September 21, 2009
Last night I saw the choir again, back in Rotterdam after two years. The show was great, I loved all of it, but o, how I missed Fred! His remarkable presence, his voice, his wit... I felt that it was him who was addressed in
'Ýou are missing'.
Anya Hillier
August 31, 2009
I watched in New Zealand, Young at Heart for the first time, last night. I was touched completely, felt as if I was sitting in the background watching. Fred Knittle was a true performer. He touched my heart, and I was singing coldplay 'lights will guide you home' all evening. He also acted in other sense, such as a rap artist, and for an oldie, He nailed it!!!!!!! Overall I was so moved by this dvd that I searched today for a website, and found out that Fred Knittle has passed, may he rest in peace. Fred being able to take on Joe's part, and do complete justice to it, made my day! I am thinking of talking my grandparents into giving young at heart ago. Might start a group in New Zealand. God Bless to All. Regards Anya Rose Hillier (22)
Laurie Finkle
August 29, 2009
I just finished watching the Young@Heart documentary for the first time and decided to look up the group online to find more information. I was very saddened to see that Fred had passed away this year. He had a beautiful voice and his performance of "Fix You" after the death of Joe was so moving. He must have been such a joy to know, with his wonderful sense of humor and love of life. I'm glad to have experienced his talent in the documentary and my heart goes out to all who knew him and must miss him terribly.
Colleen Drolshagen
August 28, 2009
Dear Knittle family,
I just wanted to hear Fred sing ""Fix You" one more time, and learned he passed away January, 2009. I am so sorry for your loss. Fred and Barbara are a gift to us all.
God's blessings to you all
Don Kennedy
August 28, 2009
I have lost track of the number of times I have watched Young@Heart, and I am watching it again. The first interview with Fred, where he sings "Ghost Riders In The Sky", just finished. Fred picks me up when I need it, and breaks my heart with "Fix You". He lives on in your hearts, and in the minds of everyone who watches this movie. He will never be forgotten.
Luigi Cavalieri
August 26, 2009
My wife and I enjoyed the movie Young at heart. We plan on giving a DVD to family and friends. I am sure Fred is truely missed. He was a good man. Wish we could have met him.
Monica & Luigi Cavalieri
Frank Schreiber
August 25, 2009
Dear Knittle family,
my name is Frank, I am living in Germany. I am 42 years old. Last weekend I saw the movie at my best friends house. I was deeply touched by Fred´s sense of humor and the strong will to be back on stage in this state of health. He sure was a great inspiration for all people who get older without giving up what they loved so well.
With my deep respect I take a bow to this wonderful man.
Eden Whalen
August 23, 2009
Dear Knittles, wow, our family just watched Young @ Heart this weekend, and Fred was amazing. What a blessing he must have been to your lives. He reminded me so much of my own dad...funny, loved life, a joy to be around, never met a stranger. I know you must miss him terribly. I wish I had known him in this life, and want you to know what a great example of "aging gracefully" he was. God bless you.
Avni Sarit
August 17, 2009
My name is Sarit. I am an Israeli, living in Tel Aviv, 46 years old, a mother of 2 children.
I saw on Friday the movie and was deeply touched by Fred's personality, sense of humor and the, of course, performance he gave.
Still touched by the movie, I decided to explore more about the chorus, found the web site and learned,unfortunately, that Fred has passed away 8 months ago.
I wanted to offer my condolences and share how he touched me and the crowd that was watching the movie in Tel Aviv with me. I know that there is no comfort to your loss,but may be by knowing that he touched many people all over the world, you can find some joy in your heart.
Sincerely yours,
Sarit Avni
Margaret Dillon
August 11, 2009
Dear Knittle family,
What a lovely experience it was to see and hear your Fred singing in the Young @ Heart video. Seeing and hearing him reminded me of my dad who passed in 1996, the rich baritone voice, the wonderful sense of humor, the great spirit. I'm so glad I got to see this video! I'd never heard the song 'Fix You' before but now I hear Fred's voice in my head often, and it's a both a pleasure and a gift.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Ann Holmes
July 18, 2009
Dear Knittle family,
What a blessing tonight to have seen and heard your precious Fred via the "Young at Heart" documentary. His rendition of "Fix You" is the only one I have heard, or will ever need to hear. As a singer, I appreciated Fred's so-lovely baritone; as a daughter of an 86-yr.-old joke-meister myself, I appreciate Fred's gift for bringing laughter to even the darkest of days; and as one who, at 57, is seeing the 'golden years' ahead in a new light, Fred (and the love you all so evidently shared) has given me hope and peace, and renewed my faith that, whatever lies ahead, it will be best met with a smile and a song. May God bless you with sweet memories, and His promises to carry you until the day when your family circle is complete again, forever.
Blessings,
Ann
Danielle Ellis
July 18, 2009
I was so blessed by Mr. Knittle's vocals from the movie. He was truly an inspiration to youth today. I am 18 years old, and it is great to see our older generation so alive. It gives me hope that my generation will see that life is worth living, so they should take care of themselves now.
He was such a sweet and funny man from what I saw from the movie, and I know that he will stay in my heart and mind forever.
Cathy Bes
July 1, 2009
I was so moved by Fred's singing of "Fix You" in the film Young at Heart which I rented last week, I have just purchased the DVD and this is a film I am going to show my 14-year-old pupils in my form. I am very saddened to read about Fred's death. I will watch Fred on Youtube, just like he watched "Fix You" when he was practising for it! All my best wishes to Barbara - you are both wonderful in the film! and to all his wonderful family who looked so proud of him at the filmed concert. With love to all,
Cathy Bes, Sompting, England
Anne Marie
June 26, 2009
I just finished watching the Young at Heart documentary and fell in love with many of the chorus members... including, of course, Fred. I was so sad to learn of his passing after checking the web for concert dates. It appears that you had a strong, funny and honorable man in your family. I'm so glad he joined mine in the living room this evening. We'll think of Fred when we watch the Young at Heart Chorus in Pittsfield later this summer! All my best to your family.
Donna & Jace Hooper
June 23, 2009
Dear Family Knittle,
We came to the Y@H website after laughing and crying watching the DVD, and wanting to learn more about the group. It was with great sadness and shock that we learned of Freds passing. Freds voice touched our souls, his charm was overwhelming and his mad humour infectious. We are very very sorry for your loss, and know that all who knew Fred would have been blessed to do so. Rest in Peace Fred, you touched the hearts of two more strangers.
Adrianna and Scott
June 14, 2009
I really wasn't a fan of "Fix You" to be honest. Then I saw Fred's version in the documentary. It brought tears to my eyes as I saw not only that it was a beautiful song, but that it had meaning as Fred dedicated it to his good friend Bob. I am very saddened to hear of his passing, but I know he is on that rainbow looking down on his caring family and the incredibly talented chorus that still has him in their hearts. His sense of humor is boundless and I hope his nephew enjoyed that $1.87. Ha ha, just kidding, it was more like $2.50. Rest in peace, Fred. Know that even strangers hold you dear in their hearts.
Birgit Scheele
June 6, 2009
Dear Knittle family,
a few minutes ago I saw a documentation of the Young@heart chorus on video. In this film Fred sings a song for Bob S. who died days before the premiere and Fred touched my heart with the song and his voice. I hope that you have the power to think at all the nice and beautiful situations in your life with Fred....... (sorry, that my English isn't very well and I hope you understand my thoughts).
ROGER LEWIS
June 4, 2009
Fred's contribution to the Young@Heart film can never be forgotten. A truly great man. I will remember his beautiful voice and warm personality always.
Jean/Steve Hancock
May 28, 2009
Dear Knittle family, I see that Young at Heart are coming to the United Kingdom in July. I have already bought my tickets, I just wish Fred was still with us. His soulfull voice and heartfelt rhymes are missed by all who have seen the programme and film.
Katie Schellenger
May 26, 2009
Mr. Knittle touched me with his performance in the Young At Heart movie. I was raised in Holyoke, MA and my sister had your grandson in her class at Holy Name school recently, so although I have lived in California for over twenty years I felt at home viewing the movie. I've made Mr. Knittle's "Fix You" song a part of my personal music collection. I'm sorry for your loss. He's touched so many hearts. Thank you Mr. Knittle !
Barbara
May 25, 2009
I´m writing from Germany. I saw the movie the other week and I was deeply touched by Fred and his amazing voice. I often listen to his version of "Fix you" with tears in my eyes. I´m very sad to hear, that he died.
Fay
May 24, 2009
How lucky you were to have such a remarkable man in your lives. I just watched the movie "Young@Heart" for the first time and was mesmerized by Fred's singing of Fix You. It came from deep within. God bless.
Helmut Heinrich
May 21, 2009
I have never met him but I know that he was an outstanding personality. His voice touched my heart and that one of my family. "Young@Heart" - An example of zest for life and courage to face life in old age!
Simon
May 19, 2009
Dear Family of Fred Knittle,
I saw the documentary Y@H lately and Fred's soulful singing moved me so much, he must have been a wonderfull man, when I read about his passing it made me sad.
Diane D'Souza
May 19, 2009
Dear Barbara and extended family of Fred,
I was lent the movie "Young @ Heart" by a college professor who uses it in her class on aging. She says the students love it. I, too, loved it: because it is well made, because it tells a good story, but most importantly because it gives me and other viewers a glimpse of absolutely beautiful people who happen to be elders, helping me to remember life is full, right through our latter years.
I am so sorry about Fred's passing and the loss you must feel in your life. And reading his obituary, I know how proud you must have been of him. There is much blessing in the time you shared; I'm sorry it couldn't be longer.
Many blessings to you in this beautiful springtime.
Susi and Bjoern
May 18, 2009
We saw the film about Young@Heart at the weekend and it has deeply moved us. Our English is not good enough to write down all the feelings we've had. It is the most touching, heart warming and adorable film we have seen for ages! Sometimes it was a smooth transition of hearty laughter to tears in our eyes. Regards to all of them, we hope that the Young@Heart choir subsists for ever! We got goose pimples as we listened to the interpretation of Fred`s "Fix You". So beautiful! God bless the choir and their families....
Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today. [James Dean]
Andrea Tiede
May 18, 2009
Hello, I saw the documentation about y@h, I love Fred´s Fix You interpretation so much! Great voice, thanks a lot! The best wishes to Fred´s family
Andrea from Germany
Chris Parker
May 17, 2009
"When you lose something you can't replace". The chorus lose someone very special. I don't know Fred Knittel and for myself, I never met him. But what I saw and hear about him, shows me one important thing: besides ordinary or bad people, the world is also full of very lovely and extraordinary people. Fred Knittle was one of them. His amazing voice and his fine character will be unforgettable. "Fix You" from Coldplay is a great and very sentimental song but Fred Knittels Version sounds MUCH better! 110% Soulful. Thanks Fred.
Lis Lies.
May 17, 2009
I saw the Young@Heart documentary this morning and just loved Fred's Fix You. I was very sad to learn that he passed away. What a wonderful man!
Andrea Zimmermann-Brugg
May 17, 2009
Yesterday I saw the documentary of Y@H and could not believe never have heard from this chorus.It was unbelievable. My english is too bad to tell what I felt about the challenge of this people.This positive energy they had is more than many young people have this days. "Fix You" was a very special emotional moment for me. I thank Fred(on the Rainbow with other Y&H Singers) for that.
Tobias L.
May 17, 2009
I´ve seen the video of Fred yesterday in TV.
And it was so wonderful. I think he was a nice person.
The chor is really fascinated. I´m sorry my englisch is not so good. But i want to write that the song and all people here are amazing. Thank you
Tobias From Germany !
John Craig
May 14, 2009
I saw the Young @ Heart documentary last year and was blown away. Fred's version of "Fix You" was vastly superior to the original version and Fred's beautiful voice is a memory I hope to cherish for the rest of my life. RIP Fred
Eunice Gabor
May 11, 2009
Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us. My own father passed away this past October and he loved to sing and dance. I watched the movie with my husband this past Saturday and laughed and cried all at the same time. I gave it to my Mother in-law for Mother's day. I have always had a great love and respect for people of your father's generation and this movie confirmed again the reasons why, because of their selflessness, and love of mankind. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Autumn Kelton
May 10, 2009
For Mother's day I told my husband I found a film I thought would be one of those "Feel Good" movies. Wow, not only feel good, but inspiring. And Fred...What a voice, & character of a man he was. He reminds me so much of my own dad-full of life until there was no more. When I pointed out to my husband the average age of the chorus he was floored. Fred's humor and insight - not to ever be forgotten. Loved the solo in the movie -
Dinah Marchand
May 8, 2009
My husband and I watched Young @ Heart and are determined to explore our own passions and keep at it in our later years. I came to the website to learn more about the group and was deeply saddened to learn of Fred's passing. What a man! He was so vibrant and full of life in the movie. I loved his sense of humor and his love for Barbara. He had a beautiful singing voice and his rendition of "Fix You" was awesome. You have my deepest sympathy.
Joris Aerts
May 2, 2009
My girlfriend and I watched Young @ Heart last week and we were really moved by the movie. Fred's version of Fix You is much better than the original Coldplay version and very inspirational. We will think of him and remember him when we visit the Young @ Heart concert in Rotterdam this September.
Wishing you all the best from the Netherlands.
Avril
April 27, 2009
I just finished watching Young @ Heart and was bowled over by this wonderful, vibrant group of elders, so full of life. Wanting to learn more about them, I went to the website and was deeply saddened to learn of Fred's passing. His big heart, wry wit and beautiful character were so evident in the film, and his soulful performance of Fix You took my breath away. He and the rest of the choir will remain as an inspiration to me for a long time. May his memory be for a blessing.
Christine Currie
April 26, 2009
I watched "Young at Heart" the other day, and was so moved by Fred's warmth, kindness, and beautiful tribute to his friends Bob and Joe. His song brought me to tears, but his story and that of the other amazing members of Young at Heart moved me first. Thank you for letting the rest of the world get a glimpse of your amazing Fred.
I was very sad to read of Fred's passing. You have my deepest sympathies.
Dina Lindemann
April 25, 2009
I just saw Young@Heart for the first time last night. I was deeply moved by Fred's performance of Fix You and even by his rehearsals with his friend Bob Salvini. The words of the song were made ever so much more poignant by Fred following Bob's passing before they could perform the song together. I feel so privileged to have heard Fred sing and I am saddened to have learned of his passing. I was also charmed by Fred's sense of humor and very obvious love for his wife, Barbara. My prayers are with Barbara and everyone who loved Fred. I hope it brings you some comfort to know that Fred continues to touch so many lives through his memorable appearance in the Young@Heart film.
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