Frederick Brockway transitioned to new life calmly and peacefully on the evening of August 12th, 2025 at the House of John in Clifton Springs. He donated his body to UpState Medical Hospital, Syracuse, N. Y. for research and training.

Frederick, the youngest child of Sheldon and Ruth Brockway was born June 5th, 1932 in Westville. N. Y.

He was predeceased by three sisters, Marjorie, Lillian, Marilyn, a brother Lloyd of Waterloo. N.Y., and his son Paul, a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Air Force.

He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Cross (Fredrick), and grandchildren: Chelsea Vona, Alyssa Cross, Garrett Magers, Dakota Cross, Maria Brockway, Jasmine Brockway, and Gabrielle Brockway.

Fred graduated from St Joseph's Academy in Malone, N. Y. in 1950 and entered the seminary. Eight years later he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Ogdensburg. He served as associate priest in Malone, Watertown, Dannemora, N. Y. and in 1962 was named College Chaplain for Potsdam State University and Clarkson University. He hosted state-wide events for students confronting the challenges of the 60's. Then constructing a facility, The Newman Center. It served as a convenient meeting space for the then emerging ecumenical movement. Inter-faith dialogue during the 60's generated new input for addressing the trauma of the Viet Nam war while it lingered on. Fred resigned from the priesthood in 1968 and married Patricia Valada, of Binghamton, NY.

They had three children: Timothy, a career submariner in the U S Navy, Jennifer an RN at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse NY, and Paul (deceased) Lt. Col. In the U. S. Air Force. Fred joined the Syracuse City Schools in 1968 as a counselor in the newly formed Adult Education Program. He saw the need for more skills in addressing educational needs and pursued credentials that enabled him to offer educational development courses for teachers with a focus on individualizing instruction. He retired in 2001.

Fred moved to Geneva N. Y. in 2007 and was an active participant in the Geneva 2020 initiative and continued on with Geneva's 2030 initiative. He served on various school related committees that were designed to enhance the quality of education for all Geneva students. Retirement gave Fred free time to volunteer for various initiatives. The Smith Opera House captured his attention upon arrival and he generously gave hours to facilitate its transition to hosting more challenging productions. Fred's interest in the wellbeing of the larger Geneva community motivated him to join the first and second Community Compact. Being a resident of the downtown Geneva neighborhood resulted in a collaboration that converted two public eyesores into his last big labor of love, the butterfly gardens. The building and maintenance of them replaced heaps of trash with colorful flowers and shrubs providing ideal habitat for pollinators and an inviting atmosphere to Downtown Geneva. Fred's 20+ years in retirement were flushed with energy and his volunteer work with Hospice included many visits of

learning and discovery. He realized that the privilege of attending others during their last days was a reciprocal process. Just being present and listening often resulted in receiving new life-messages. Fred's motto: Make things better than when you found them.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday August 16th at the Geneva Lake Front, at the blue memorial chairs between the Welcome Center and the 41 Lakefront Hotel. The celebration will begin at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Geneva, NY and/or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in memory of Fred.