OXFORD – Fred C. Verenini, 89, of Oxford and formerly of Norwich, passed away Saturday evening Sept. 5, 2009, at his home.
Born in Troy in January of 1920, the son of Joseph and Maria Berthasio Verenini, Fred spent his early years in the Troy and Albany area and was a graduate of the Albany schools. From June of 1942 through his honorable discharge in December of 1945, Fred served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a chef throughout his working years, working first for the Larkin Restaurant in Albany, where he was employed for 22 years. After moving to Norwich, he spent a couple of years as the chef at the Chenango Hotel and then worked for 10-12 years for Stefanelli’s Restaurant. Fred had also graduated from the Master Gardener program through Cornell University, and he saw to it that no one left his home without something good from his garden. A person who considered himself “The Boss,” his bellowing at times and gruff exterior were signs of love. Fred was a great fan of Frank Sinatra, enjoyed watching the New York Yankees or a good game of tennis, and liked most sports. A member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Norwich, he was involved with church activities and especially liked coordinating and working their pancake dinners.
On Aug. 18, 1984, in the Christ Lutheran Church, Fred married Betty Ann Rosenthal Verenini, who survives. He is also survived by his step-children and their spouses, whom he considered his own: Karyn and Terry McElroy of New Berlin, Sharyn McInerney and husband Jesus Suarez of Norwich, Suzan Mapes and fiancé Dan Muller of Arizona, Renee and Peter Andrews of Oneonta, Mark and Cornelia Rivenburg of Ohio, Jeff and Shari Rivenburg of Greene, Leslie and David Eaton of Oxford, Benjamin Rivenburg of Colorado, Betty Jean and Tim Shute of Colorado, Jennifer and Jeff Didio of Oneida, Mary Ellyn Iyoob and significant other Glen Bourassa of Pennsylvania, Fred and Laurie Rivenburg of Norwich, and Kevin O’Connell of North Carolina. He is also survived by 26 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; his sister and brother, Rita Febraio of Albany and Louis Verenini of Snyder’s Lake; and nieces and nephews. Fred was predeceased by his sisters Catherine and Louise, and brothers Frank, John, and Joey.
PLEASE NOTE change in funeral time and location: Funeral services for Fred will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14 from the Christ Lutheran Church, North Broad Street, Norwich. The Rev. Thomas Olson, pastor, will officiate. Interment with full military rites will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Monday from 10 a.m. to noon.
Please consider memorial contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815.