Frederick L Whispell, Theresa, New York, died on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at Samaritan Summit Village. His loving wife Marion was at his side as he succumbed to the effects of a stroke in his sleep.

Honoring his wishes; there will no calling hours or funeral service. The family will be having a celebration of his life at a future date.

He is survived by his wife Marion of 57 years, two sons; Blaine and Betsy Whispell, and Brett and Kim Whispell, 5 grandchildren; Caitlin, Brianna, Scott, Michaela and Danielle, nieces and nephews, and two siblings; his sister Hazel and his brother Charles. His brother Daniel died before him. He was looking forward to the birth of his first great grand children (twins) in early December.

Fred was born in 1936 in Norwich, NY, the son of Daniel and Eva Whispell. He graduated from Norwich High School where he was an active musician and drum major of the marching band.

Following graduation he served in the Air Force and was a member of the Air Force Band. After completing his service he pursued an Education Degree at SUNY Potsdam where he met his wife Marion. They married in 1961 and both taught at the Evans Mills Branch of the Indian River Elementary School until his retirement in 1989.

Prior to retirement Fred was very active in public service. He was secretary, president, and district secretary of the Indian River Lions Club and the Theresa Rotary for many years. He was an lifetime member of the American Legion Post 904. He combined his organizational skills and love of music together as a leader of the Theresa Memorial Day Committee.

“The Judge” took tremendous pleasure performing over 200 weddings, including those of his sons, where his humor put couples at ease and his serious side instilled his respect for the institution of marriage.

Fred truly enjoyed sharing learnings from his life experiences and listening to those of a diverse range of friends and acquaintances at various local establishments. From his front porch, at a restaurant, or walking down the street Fred was a joker, enjoying razzing and being razzed by young and old, especially his grandchildren and daughters in law.

A fan of ragtime piano, Fred enjoyed the challenge of learning and playing favorite Rags into his 80’s. He Emceed the Ragtime Festivals at the Edgewood and Pine Tree Point Resorts in Alexandria Bay and also enjoyed relaxing on summer evenings with his wife at the resorts listening to various pianists and when appropriate joined on the spoons and sang along.

Happily his passion for music was passed on to his grandchildren.

Contributions in Fred’s memory can be made to the Theresa Food Pantry in care of Ken and Jan McCormick, Moon Lake Rd, Theresa, NY, or the Indian River Lion’s Club in care of Charles Covell, PO Box 132, Calcium, NY.