In Memory Of
Mr. Frederic James
Freketic Jr.
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Guest book
- January 10, 2026George J. Robinson
- January 10, 2026Will always remember his great photos and video works. Fred did much for us at Airpower and then at Armor.Chris Suhr
- January 10, 2026So sorry to hear about Fred. He was always so nice and growing up I liked listening to his voice (I guess that was the teacher in him). Our condolences to “the Boston crowd.” We love you all.Brian and Greg Schropfer
- January 10, 2026Shared Fred's company on many trips to Air shows.The Military Air Museum in Virginia Beach,Doolittle Reunion in Dayton and Nellis AFB,Las Vegas to name a few.I appreciated his knowledge of Military History and his thoughts on many other topics. A great friend who will be missed by all those he touched. Thank you Fred.Richard Grabowski
- January 10, 2026So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Margo and his family..🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽Shirley M Archer
Guest book
- February 01, 2026I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute of a life we'll lived and a man well loved.
Diane ❤️Diane Welch - January 16, 2026A donation has been made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to honor Fred's memory.Frank X. O'Brien
- January 15, 2026I am very sorry to hear of Fred's passing. My condolences to Margo and the family.
Many thanks for his service to the country, Terryterrance r holliday - January 13, 2026Truly saddened to learn of Fred's passing.
I'll always treasure the memories of volunteering with him at the American Airpower Museum and the trip we took with several other Museum colleagues to AirVenture 2017 in Oshkosh, WI. Fred and I roamed the grounds together since we both wanted photos of this remarkable event. We both took way too many... but I think Fred won in the final count. We also decided it would be a brilliant idea to take a flight in a Bell 47 (aka MASH) helicopter. In deference to our loved ones, we did fly separately.
I'll miss his friendship and unique sense of humor.
Frank O'Brien - January 12, 2026A good, reliable, steadfast guy. And... and buddy.David Merriman
- January 11, 2026Fred and I were in the same high school class (New Hyde Park ’64, along with my wife, Peg.) We shared some classes and had lunch together. In going to one class, we’d be moving slowly in a large group of people. I said it reminded me of a cattle drive, and we both went “mooooo!”. When he signed my yearbook, the last thing he wrote was “moo!”
I recall speaking to him a few years ago; he told me that he and his family had bought a big house in Massachusetts and he was so happy about that. Fred was a good friend in high school, and we know that he was also a great family man. I don’t know if he was ever a Boy Scout, but he sure followed their motto: Be Prepared. Rest in Peace, dear friend.
Richard Alpin - January 10, 2026
Just his presence was enough to make your day. While we both left Airpower, I will continue to fondly remember our shared volunteer efforts during that era best captured by the attached image where he is assisting a visitor who was aboard a C-47 flight experience.Gary Lewi - January 10, 2026Dear Margo, Katie and family,
Peggy and I will dearly miss Fred on our yearly visit to the AirPower Museum. We are sending a donation in Fred's name to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 🙏Paul & Peggy Stojkov - January 10, 2026Fred grew up across the street from me in Garden City Park. He was one of the fifth street kids of whom there were many. He was a quiet guy with whom I shared very little. Our lives were lived on opposite sides of the block and we rarely interacted.
After high school, our lives never crossed paths again and I did not see him again until later years at several reunions.
His life was obviously filled with education, family, hobbies and accomplishments that meant a great deal to him.
May those who loved and knew him rejoice in the memories that they have and remember him as a man who lived with curiosity, passions and adventures.
Albert Lavenziano - January 10, 2026I am so sorry for your loss. Fred is such an inspiration to Katie and Krissie. He is readily observed through Krissies patience and passion for teaching. In Katie I see Fred's creativity and expert planning. He will be missed and may his soul rest in peace. Sending your family lots of love and prayers.Cynthia Fernandes
- January 10, 2026Though we didn't know each other at the time and only met in the '80s teaching at Roslyn Junior High School in the Social Studies Department, we had much history in subjects of interest and concern in common- an adult life long bond.
My dear friend Fred and I grew up in the same Garden City Park neighborhood, attended Garden City Park Elementary School, New Hyde Park Memorial High School, and we both served in Vietnam,* though at different times and in different roles.
As is usually the case, military experience is mostly for the Young and long thereafter it conditions one's thinking, in the case of our Vietnam experience, leading to cynicism that Fred was always able to crystallize into a sardonic,
"You got [sic.] THAT right!" one-liner that said it all and made me smile and admire his intellect!
We shared incredulity due to the fact that, though the United States has the most costly military killing machine in the world, and despite Congress not having declared war since December 7 1941, it nevertheless engaged in - and lost -its last three protracted wars, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
The appearance of Donald Trump on the scene and his shenanigans gave us more to grouse about.
When we were about to end a phone conversation we would always say, "Listening out!" which is military jargon for, "I'll sign off now, but I'll keep the radio on listening for any sit-reps (situation reports)."
Though I had to retire early due to combat related disability, we kept in touch frequently; the last time we met was when he gave me a tour of the Long Island Aviation Museum, and our mutual appreciation of aircraft was another subject of our discussions.
In my last text to Fred when he was at home, facing the inevitable, I once again returned to our old familiar military jargon, writing, "Fred, if you insist on 'taking the point,' you can be sure that, before too long I'll be right behind you 'bringing up the rear,' and that in the meantime I'll always be "Listening," but never "out."
To say that Fred's passing leaves a void is an understatement.George J. Robinson - January 10, 2026Will always remember his great photos and video works. Fred did much for us at Airpower and then at Armor.Chris Suhr
- January 10, 2026So sorry to hear about Fred. He was always so nice and growing up I liked listening to his voice (I guess that was the teacher in him). Our condolences to “the Boston crowd.” We love you all.Brian and Greg Schropfer
- January 10, 2026Shared Fred's company on many trips to Air shows.The Military Air Museum in Virginia Beach,Doolittle Reunion in Dayton and Nellis AFB,Las Vegas to name a few.I appreciated his knowledge of Military History and his thoughts on many other topics. A great friend who will be missed by all those he touched. Thank you Fred.Richard Grabowski
- January 10, 2026So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Margo and his family..🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽Shirley M Archer
- January 10, 2026Fred was a knowledgeable and instructional travel companion when we took a river cruise from Paris to the D-Day beaches of Normandy. He reached out to me to allay my concerns with prostate radiation by sharing his own experiences. That was the kind of person he was. He will surely be missed by all.Michael Schropfer
- January 10, 2026A life well lived. Fred was my high school classmate. It is clear that his memory will be a blessing…..Bill Adelman
- January 09, 2026Fred was always so warm, kind and always welcoming. Very sorry for your loss. Sending our deepest condolences.Ali and Mike Gleichman
- January 09, 2026Jeff and I remember Fred with great fondness and thanks for the many years he donated his time to the American Airpower Museum. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife and family.Jeff and Jacky Clyman
- January 09, 2026Patrick Averill
- January 09, 2026Wonderful family. I am sorry for your loss.Kathy Williams
My dear friend Fred and I grew up in the same Garden City Park neighborhood, attended Garden City Park Elementary School, New Hyde Park Memorial High School, and we both served in Vietnam,* though at different times and in different roles.
As is usually the case, military experience is mostly for the Young and long thereafter it conditions one's thinking, in the case of our Vietnam experience, leading to cynicism that Fred was always able to crystallize into a sardonic,
"You got [sic.] THAT right!" one-liner that said it all and made me smile and admire his intellect!
We shared incredulity due to the fact that, though the United States has the most costly military killing machine in the world, and despite Congress not having declared war since December 7 1941, it nevertheless engaged in - and lost -its last three protracted wars, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
The appearance of Donald Trump on the scene and his shenanigans gave us more to grouse about.
When we were about to end a phone conversation we would always say, "Listening out!" which is military jargon for, "I'll sign off now, but I'll keep the radio on listening for any sit-reps (situation reports)."
Though I had to retire early due to combat related disability, we kept in touch frequently; the last time we met was when he gave me a tour of the Long Island Aviation Museum, and our mutual appreciation of aircraft was another subject of our discussions.
In my last text to Fred when he was at home, facing the inevitable, I once again returned to our old familiar military jargon, writing, "Fred, if you insist on 'taking the point,' you can be sure that, before too long I'll be right behind you 'bringing up the rear,' and that in the meantime I'll always be "Listening," but never "out."
To say that Fred's passing leaves a void is an understatement.