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October 24, 2024
Services
Friends may visit the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 4-8 PM.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from the funeral home, then to Our Lady of Consolation R.C. Church, 1799 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne where at 12:00 noon, a Funeral Mass will be offered. Following the mass, Fred will be laid to rest at Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes, next to the plot of his father-in-law John Szemansco.
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Frederick “Fred” De Martino on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Born and raised in Yonkers, NY, Fred graduated from Roosevelt High School in Yonkers with the Class of 1962. He was a man who was truly devoted to his country, wife, family, and friends.
Fred served honorably in the U.S. Army as a combat infantryman and rifle marksman during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
After his military service, Fred pursued higher education, earning an associate’s degree in drafting. For over 30 years, he worked as a draftsman in physics research at Columbia University's Nevis Laboratories in Irvington, NY, where his precision and dedication were greatly valued until retiring in 2009.
In the winter of 1975, Fred’s life changed forever when he met the woman who would become the love of his life, Madeleine Szemansco, on a snow skiing trip at Vernon Valley in New Jersey. Enchanted by her beauty and spirit he was drawn to initiate an encounter which was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Their love for each other grew, leading to a mutual desire for marriage. Fred cleverly proposed by concealing an engagement ring in a popcorn bowl at a local club - a reflection of his playful sense of humor. They were married on Sunday, July 18, 1976, at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne, NJ, followed by a honeymoon on the sunlit shores of St. Martin Island in the Caribbean. Their early years of marriage were spent in Wallington and Elmwood Park, NJ, before settling in Oakland, NJ, where Fred and Madeleine built a life together for over the past 48 years.
Fred had a lifelong passion for skiing and continued hitting the slopes, in Vermont and New Jersey, well into his 70s. His most cherished ski adventure, aside from the one where he met Madeleine, was a trip to Alta Ski Area in Utah with his brother-in-law Michael. Even in retirement, Fred remained active and found joy in traveling with Madeleine, exploring almost all the states along the U.S. eastern coast as well as Bermuda. For over 40 years, the couple also shared a love of antiquing, often embarking on weekend treasure hunts for their side business.
Fred had a lot of pride for his property which he cared for meticulously and maintained to perfection. A devoted family man, Fred was never far from those he loved and was actively assisting Madeleine in caring for her remarkable 106-year-old mother at the time of his passing.
Fred will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his humor that brightened your day, and his kind and personable nature. He was always ready to lend a hand, greet others with warmth, or share a laugh.
Fred leaves behind his beloved wife Madeleine to whom he was blessed in marriage for 48 years; his many adored nieces and nephews including: Ethan, Jack, Fallon, Chris, Braden, Savanah, Jonathan and wife Sherri, and Kristin and husband Mark; his three fantastic great-nieces: Hadley, Reagan, and Petra, and many friends and neighbors who were touched by his kindness and generosity. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Michael and Lucy (De Rosa) De Martino and his dear brother Michael De Martino.
In lieu of flowers and plants, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Fred’s memory to one of the following charitable organizations:
PO Box 840692
Dallas TX 75284-0692
Click here for Printable Tribute Donation Form
Attn: Development Dept.
425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Suite 203
Roseland, NJ 07068
P.O. Box 7023
Merrifield, VA 22116-7023
Our Lady of Consolation RC Church
1799 Hamburg Turnpike
Wayne, NJ 07470
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Friends may visit the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 4-8 PM.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from the funeral home, then to Our Lady of Consolation R.C. Church, 1799 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne where at 12:00 noon, a Funeral Mass will be offered. Following the mass, Fred will be laid to rest at Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes, next to the plot of his father-in-law John Szemansco.
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