Obituary of Frederick A. Washburn

      Mr. Frederick A. Washburn, passed away on 24 February 2024, at Wynn Hospital with his brother and family by his side.

     Fred was born 14 September 1942, in Utica, NY the son of the late Melvin A. and Theresa O. (Cronauer) Washburn. He was educated in Utica schools; Lincoln, Kernan and Utica Free Academy graduating in 1960. Shortly after high school graduation, Fred joined the US Navy serving as a Personnelman Petty Officer Third Class. He was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Lake Champlain (CVA-39). Fred’s sea duty encompassed the entire Atlantic Ocean for three + years. The Lake Champlain was an integral part of the US Navy’s Cuban Missile Crisis Blockade for which he earned the Navy’s Expeditionary Medal for actions engaged in hostile operations against the United States. Following his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, he briefly worked for the Bendix Corporation. Soon after that, he joined his brother at the Utica Post Office, where he worked as a Letter Carrier retiring after 35 years of service, and was a proud founding member of the elite group of Letter Carriers known as “The Wolverines”.

     In his earlier years, Fred was an ardent supporter of the Magnificent Yankees Drum & Bugle Corps following them wherever they competed around the country. In his later years, he traveled the world visiting every country in Europe and parts of Asia. Fred knew his geography for sure. He loved to talk about all the places and things he has done and seen for which there were many. Fred was a lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church in Utica and First Baptist Church in North Utica.

     Fred is survived by his brother, Ed Washburn of Steuben; sister-in-law, Linda Washburn of Whitesboro; niece, Jennifer Sumner (Shawn) of Yorkville; nephew, Bryan Washburn of Clinton; great niece and great nephew, Grayson and Archer Sumner of Yorkville, along with many cousins and friends. Freddie and Eddie always celebrated their birthdays on the same day; Eddie’s is the 12^th and Freddie’s was the 14^th so their mom said she’s not about to have two birthdays two days apart, so the 13^th is the official birthday for both, like it or not and that was that.

     The family wishes to thank letter carrier, Dominic Reile for his astute observation, the UFD Ambulance for their service, The Wynn Hospital for their comfort and care of Fred, and a very special big Thank You to Linda for all her help and non-tiring, undying, unwavering support before Fred’s illness and during it. Your actions would have made nurse Theresa very proud.

     Visitation for family and friends is Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica followed by a funeral service at 11:00 at the conclusion of visitation. He will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Memorial Park in Kirkland.

     Fred never cared for flowers much as they made him sneeze. However, if one was so inclined, a donation in Fred’s name to the Magnificent Yankees Fund, 1128 Downer Ave., Utica, NY 13502 or the Humane Society of Either Utica or Rome would be greatly appreciated.