Longtime Southold resident and retired Southold Town Police Officer Frederick Fiedler passed away suddenly on Feb. 9, 2013, while removing snow from his home during Blizzard Nemo. He was 72 years of age.

He was born at Eastern Long Island Hospital on March 24, 1940, to Frederick William and Marcella Akscin Fiedler and graduated from Greenport High School as a member of the Class of 1957. He married Melanie Gail Bishop on Nov. 26, 1966, and they resided together in the Town of Southold for 47 years.

Following graduation, he served in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1958 to 1964. He returned to Greenport and was hired as a New York State Department of Conservation officer from 1966 to 1967, before being hired as a Southold Town police officer in 1968. Fred served as a Southold Town police officer for 28 years, retiring in 1996. After retiring, he pursued his love of working on the water as a local bayman and fisherman. He also enjoyed yard sales and spending quality time with his family and friends. You could always find Fred doing something on the local waters. 

Fred was a longtime, dedicated member of Southold Fire Department’s Eagle Hook and Ladder Company, where he took great pride in being “always ready” to answer the next call. He was also a member of Southold American Legion Post 803 and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. 

Fred is survived by his wife, Melanie, and his sons, David and his wife, Margaret Kober Fiedler, and Brian and his wife, Melissa Wurtz Fiedler. Both of Fred’s sons currently serve as commissioned officers in the U.S. Coast Guard. Fred was blessed with two wonderful grandchildren, Sara and Douglas, and is also survived by a sister, Marcella Fiedler Winters; nephews, Daniel and Peter Winters and Raymond Bishop; and niece, Elaine Bishop Hansen.

Family and friends were received at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold on Feb. 14. A full service was held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on Feb. 15, followed by a Southold Fire Department escort to Sterling Cemetery and interment with military honors. 

Memorial donations in Fred’s memory may be made to the Southold Fire Department, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or the Southold Police Benevolent Association.

Fred was a beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather and he will be dearly missed.

This is a paid notice.