Fred passed away peacefully at home, a country home that he loved, at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ann & David Fladd, Edward & Ellen Haak, Ellen Updaw-Haak, and Stephen & Lynn Haak; nephews, Brian, Thomas, Matthew, and David; nieces, Rebecca, Heather, and Kelly; and great nieces and nephews, Caleb, Ariel, Natalie, Noah, Ian, and Evelyn. Fred is also survived by his siblings, Mary Margaret Edick, Linda (Robert) Murphy, Carol Ann (Carmen) Russo, and Joan Corriveau.

Fred was born October 10, 1941, in Herkimer, New York, to Leon and Geraldine Morton and grew up in Mohawk, New York. During his school years, Fred discovered his love of sports. One of his most memorable moments as a teenager was playing baseball with the New York Yankees, as the Yankees’ team traveled throughout the state to local schools, playing regulation games with high school baseball teams. He not only loved and played baseball in high school, but football as well.

One of his fondest memories throughout his life was Old Forge, New York. He thoroughly enjoyed his family’s camp there and fishing at a nearby stream. In between sports and Old Forge, Fred was a dedicated Boy Scout who spent many summers camping in the Adirondacks and attending Boy Scout Camp in that area.

When he graduated from Mohawk Central High School, Fred entered the Air Force where he proudly served for 4 years. Upon his discharge, he worked briefly in a metallurgy shop, before beginning his 30-year career at Xerox. While working at Xerox, he earned a B.S. degree in physics from the University of Rochester. As Fred’s career grew at Xerox, his interest was captured by technology and computer science. Fred concluded his career at Xerox managing a computer software group.

Fred’s interests were many and varied. He was an avid outdoor sportsman. He enjoyed his years of membership at Sodus Bay Heights golfing with family and friends. A very special spot in his heart was always for his dogs. He loved his daily walks “around the country block” with them. He even adopted and cared for 4 stray cats. He dabbled in wine making and loved traveling, hoping to fill his passport with stamps from countries around the world.

Fred was a hard-working, fun-loving man who always lent a “helping hand”. He will be remembered and greatly missed by family and friends.

A special thanks to the Canandaigua VA, hospice care, Rochester Regional Visiting Nurse Service, and Rochester Regional Infusion Pharmacy for their kindness, care, and unwavering support during Fred’s illness.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 10th at 11am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 5823 Walworth Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Burial will immediately follow at Furnaceville Cemetery. A luncheon will be held by Martha's Ministry at St. Mary's of the Lake Church following Fred's burial.

Memorial donations may be made in Fred’s memory to the Wayne County Humane Society, 1475 County House Road, Lyons, NY 14489.

To leave the family an online condolence or memory, please visit Fred’s guestbook at www.murphyfuneralservices.com.