Fred W. Blakeslee

Utica- Fred W. Blakeslee, 88, of Acacia Village, devoted husband of Jane, and former resident of Holland Patent and Pine Bush, NY, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2015, at the Masonic Care Community, after a short illness. He was born in Hamden, Connecticut on July 23, 1926 to George E. and Susie M. Wheeler Blakeslee and attended school in Seymour, CT. Fred entered the US Navy in October, 1944, serving his country during WWII. He was honorably discharged as a Seaman First Class in August, 1946. After earning his high school diploma, Fred continued his education at Ohio Wesleyan University, receiving a bachelor's degree in Geology-Geography in 1955. He then earned a teaching certificate in New York and began a fulfilling career as an educator and school administrator. On June 14, 1952, Fred was united in marriage with Jane Hall, at the home of the bride, in Boonville, NY. After his graduation from OWU, the couple settled in Holland Patent, where they lived for many years. During that time Fred was principal at elementary schools in Stittville and Barneveld, and at Holland Patent High School. He also served as Superintendant of Remsen Central School. Later, he moved to Pine Bush, NY (Orange Co.) where he was Principal of Pine Bush Central School, retiring in 1980. The couple moved to their present home in Acacia Village at the Masonic Care Community in 1997. To his credit, Fred was a skilled carpenter and general contractor, using these talents to build his own homes in both Holland Patent and Pine Bush. In 1956, Fred joined the Holland Patent Presbyterian Church, where he was an active member, serving on the Board of Trustees, Board of Deacons, and the Session. In 1968, he transferred his membership to Graham's United Presbyterian Church, Pine Bush, where he was an active member until moving to Acacia Village. Fred was athletic for his entire life, taking pride in keeping himself in top shape. For ten years he ran in the Utica Boilermaker Road Race, winning the race in his age group in four different years. His last run in the Boilermaker was at age 82. In addition to Jane, his wife, Fred is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. During the past two years, while Jane has been confined to the skilled nursing area of the Care Community, Fred exhibited his tender love for her through his daily visits to the Care Center. Their nearly 63 years of marriage is a glowing testament to their incredible love for each other, and to their deep and abiding faith in a loving God. Memorial services for Fred will be held on Saturday, April 18, at 11:00 AM in the All-Purpose Room at Acacia Village, Masonic Care Community, 2160 Bleecker St, Utica NY with interment with Miltary Honors in Boonville Cemetery at a later date. Visitation for friends and family will be held one hour prior to the services. Contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy to commemorate Fred's love of nature and wildlife. His arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. Boonville.