Frederic A. Van Namee

Holland Patent- Frederic A. Van Namee, 75, of Powell Road, husband of Bronwen and a retired Director of Oneida County Emergency Services, passed away at his residence, on Saturday, November 26, 2022, after a heroic battle with A.L.S., while surrounded by the loving care of his wife, family and Hospice.

Affectionately known as Fred, he was born in Hermon, NY, (St. Lawrence County), on September 24, 1947, a son of Glen E. and C. Mae Finley Van Namee. Fred grew up on a farm near Richville, where he began his education in a one room school house. At the age of seven, Fred moved with his family to Oneida County, where he continued his education at Holland Patent Central School, graduating with the Class of 1965. Thereafter he furthered his education attending Delhi Ag & Tech College, Delhi, NY, graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Agriculture Business.

Fred was first employed for Agway, quickly attaining a manager position, first at the Agway Store in Little Falls, followed by employment as manager at the Holland Patent and Clinton Agway.

On July 7, 1972, Fred was united in marriage with the love of his life, Bronwen K. Jones, at the First Presbyterian Church of Holland Patent. This marriage was a loving union of two kind, generous and hardworking people which endured through good and difficult times for fifty years. On July 7, 2022, Fred and Bronwen enjoyed a celebration at their residence with friends and family, marking their fifty years of marriage.

After their marriage the couple lived in Holland Patent, later moving to Remsen. Upon beginning employment as a regional manager with the Dairy Herd Improvement Association, (D.H.I.A.), covering an area from Herkimer to the Vermont border, Fred and Bronwen settled at Sprout Brook, NY (Montgomery County).

In 1979, the couple moved to Steuben, settling on Rt. 274, where they established a dairy farm by the name of “Vivat,” a Welsh name meaning “A Long and Happy Life.” While residing in the Town of Steuben, Fred was elected to the Town of Steuben Town Council, followed by election to Town of Steuben Justice of the Peace. For several years, Mr. Van Namee served as vice president and president of the Holland Patent School Board of Education and also was a member of the Holland Patent Central School Ag Advisory Board.

Fred possessed a keen mind, strong work ethic, a love for people and a good sense of humor, all attributes which served him well during his brilliant career with Oneida County, beginning in 1988, when he was appointed Director of Emergency Services. As Director of Emergency Services, Fred’s first task was leading in the establishment of today’s modern 911 emergency call and response system. As the 911 project continued, Mr. Van Namee also became Fire Coordinator for Oneida County and also the head of the Oneida County Fire Advisory Board. He retired from Oneida County on December 31, 2009.

Fred and Bronwen’s Christian faith was a central and very important part of their lives. He was a long time member of Steuben United Methodist Church, where he served as treasurer, and chair of the church trustees.

Fred was a member and Master of the Steuben Grange, a past member of the Boonville Oneida County Fair Board, where he participated with the Grange during the fair and also greatly enjoyed watching his sons display and show their farm animals.

He also served as Fire Commissioner for the Town of Trenton, a volunteer for Town of Trenton Board of Elections and as a grant writer and volunteer for the Foothills Food Pantry of Holland Patent and as Job Coach for ARC.

For many years Fred was Captain of Team Aaron, a fund raising team for the American Cancer Society, which he and Bronwen founded in memory of their son Aaron Van Namee, who predeceased Fred, from cancer on December 26, 2004. Fred and Bronwen will be fondly remembered for the tremendous breakfasts which they chaired as a fund raiser for Team Aaron.

Fred also greatly enjoyed vegetable gardening, operating a small hobby farm at their residence, feeding the birds, watching Yankee Baseball games and enjoying the company of visiting relatives and friends.

In addition to his wife, Bronwen, he is survived by one son and daughter in law, Mark and Chrissy Van Namee, Barneveld; grandchildren, Payton, Brett and Jarret; one brother and sister in law, Edmond P. (Melissa), Vernon Center; one sister and brother in law, Mary Ruth (Harold) Williams, Boonville; a daughter in law, Jaci (Stewart) Van Namee Gebo, Hartford, NY, who was the wife of Aaron when he passed away; sisters in law, Glenyce Trainor, Boonville, Hazel Black, Remsen and Evelyn Clark, Holland Patent; one brother in law, Ivor (Kathy) Jones, Sprout Brook and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Fred was predeceased by his parents, son, Aaron; niece, Pamela A. Van Namee and his brother and sister in law, Gary and Janice Van Namee.

His Funeral will be Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, with interment to follow in Steuben Corners Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday 3-7 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Steuben United Methodist Church, C/O P.O Box 9205 State Rt. 274, Holland Patent, NY 13354, or to Team Aaron, C/O Mr. Robert Elinskas, 1831 Rutger St. Utica, NY 13501.