Norman L. Fredericks' Obituary
Norman L. Fredericks, 82, of East Syracuse, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born in Syracuse, son of the late Neil and Irene (Maud) Fredericks, he was a life resident of the Syracuse area and a proud U.S. Navy Veteran.
Along with his parents, Norm was predeceased by his brother, Charles Fredericks.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 50 years, Alice (Smith) Fredericks; son, Alan (Melissa) Fredericks; daughter, Alison (Jose) Camacho; grandchildren, Aidan, Chase, Ava, and Lia; brother, Paul (Anne) Fredericks, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Norm attended and graduated from North High School class of ‘61 where he excelled in multiple sports. He was a member of the baseball and track teams where his fast speed earned him the nickname "Jeeters". He was captain of the volleyball and bowling teams and a member of the Pompei CYO basketball team. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy which gave him the opportunity to see and explore Europe. While in Italy, his positive reputation resulted in him being chosen to guard the mock casket of John F. Kennedy while people paid their respects. Norm loved to share stories such as eating fresh squid drenched in lemon juice while in a gondola drinking a glass of red wine or physically bumping into Frank Sinatra after getting out of an elevator.
Norm developed a huge love for lacrosse when his son took up the sport in high school. He became an SU Stickmans Club member during the 90's and attended countless SU tailgates/games and multiple final fours. The people and players he met along the way created fond memories that Norm often reminisced about. He worked for many dedicated years as a painter for Syracuse University and enjoyed watching SU sports and cheering on the N.Y. Yankees.
A huge country music fan, Norm vacationed in Nashville and sang on the Grand Ole Opry stage (during the tour) and everyone clapped as if they were seeing a real country music star. Over the years, Norm met many famous singers and was thrilled to chat with them and get a photo. The Kingston Trio performed in his basement and Loretta Lynn even asked what he was waiting for when she saw he hadn’t yet asked Alice to marry him.
Above all, family was most important to Norm. Not a day would go by that he wouldn’t share a hug, kiss or say I love you. In 1974, he married the absolute love of his life. 50 years of true love built an unbreakable bond filled with countless happy memories. He cherished his two children and was the proudest father. No matter how tired he may have been from working all day he would take his kids on bike rides and read them stories before bed. Norm worked tirelessly to ensure the family could take a vacation every year whether it was working overtime or painting jobs on the side. He created lasting memories of family trips to Florida, Cape Cod, Arizona, North Carolina and many other destinations. Norm never lost his love of traveling and experiencing new adventures. He went on multiple cruises including one that returned to their honeymoon destination of Aruba celebrating their 25th Anniversary. His favorite trip of all was Hawaii where he got to pay respects to the fallen soldiers of Pearl Harbor. Norm even climbed up the trail to the Diamond Head volcano just six weeks after having knee surgery.
When Norm walked into a room the atmosphere came alive for “Stormin Norman.” His personality shined incredibly bright due to his warmth, humor, positivity, humility, and outgoing nature. Norm made friends everywhere he went that we used to think he was running for mayor. He would do anything for anyone with a smile on his face and singing a song. The addition of his grandchildren brought him even more joy. His love for them was unmatched and he was their number one fan at all of their extra-curricular activities, events and milestones. Norm will be immeasurably missed, but forever in our hearts.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. A funeral Mass in celebration of Norman’s life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. in St. Matthew’s Church, 229 W. Yates St., East Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Norm’s memory may be made to the St. Matthew’s Food Pantry, 600 W. Manlius St. East Syracuse, NY 13057.
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