I have known Fred-e as long I can remember from the old neighborhood. He loved baseball and we had many great baseball games at the “Battlefield.” If you were lucky enough to hit one over his head he would throw his glove up in the air and try to hit the ball. I never saw it but I wonder if he ever hit the ball????

You will never meet a nicer guy and it was my privilege to have known Fred-e.

I have such fond memories of Fred-e and me growing up on Division Street in Keyport.

Christmas morning at Fred-e's house was like a toy store with an abundance of gifts and even sometimes a new puppy.

Summers at the family's summer home on the beach at LBI were the greatest. We hung out at the beach and watched Fred-e surf along with his mom (Tessie) and dad (fat boy) as he lovingly referred to him.

Fred-e's childhood basement parties were the best. His parents never said no and they didn't care how many kids came. Everyone was welcome.

Fred-e was active in school--excelling at baseball and basketball while playing the drums in the Keyport High School band. The whole neighborhood knew when Fred-e was practicing!!!!!! I can still picture Fred-e and Robert Sproul playing in the grammar school band together.

Fred-e spent many childhood vacations in Florida while growing up and always remembered to bring home a coconut and some oranges for me.

Fred-e loved Aunt Lou's Italian cooking and Tessie's Mashed potatos--- didn't we all????

Fred-e was a very friendly caring person, generous and full of fun---the constant entertainer!!

Fred-e will be missed but his memories will live on! His famous parting words were -- "always ride the waves of happiness"

We'll miss you ---- his cousin Mary(Russo) Dietrich-- husband Chuck (fishing buddy) and family

I wanted to share some memories about what is was like growing up two doors down from Fred. Fred and my dad, Mike Russo, were first cousins and close. He was like a big brother to me, and one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met. Many evenings, after we finished dinner, we would head over to the Siebens to hang out with Fred. He always had time for us and loved to roll around the floor wrestling or playing knee football. What I remember most though is always laughing!! In those days, Fred or Fred-e as he liked to call himself, would mix up all the food on his plate and put it in a pile. He would then pour his chocolate milk on top of the food and eat it. I also remember countless games of match football played on the kitchen table. The biggest laugh came when one of our field goals would hit Fred’s mother, who he always called Tessie. Perhaps our favorite game took place in the TV room after dinner. Uncle Fred would always fall asleep in front of the TV with his mouth open and snore. Fred would grab some peanuts and we would take target practice trying to get them into house mouth. We would roar with laughter whenever we were successful. Incredibly, he would chew the peanut and swallow them. I could never figure out how he didn’t choke!

Another one of our favorite activities also took place after dinner. All the neighborhood kids would meet at the “battlefield” on Division Street to play whatever sport that was in season. Fred and my dad were always out there playing with us. The neighborhood kids loved Fred. He was like a big brother then them as well. To this day, many of those kids still ask about him.

I will also never forget all the great times we had together at their house on Long Beach Island. Fred really loved it down there! We spent many days together on the beach where he taught me how to fish and surf. We also got to play lots of whiffle ball, which was one of his favorite games.

We kind of lost touch for many years, but reconnected a few years back. Fred hadn’t changed a bit! He was still the guy with the great personality who loved to tell stories about growing up in Keyport. It was great hanging out with him again and talking sports, especially his beloved New York Mets!! I know that whenever I think of him, a smile will come to my face!!

Peace brother Fred-e,

“Cuz” Nick Russo

Those we love don't go away

They walk beside us every day.

Unseen, Unheard but always near

Still Loved

Still Missed

And Very Dear.

Rest in Peace now Fred.

Richard and Joanne