Frederick J. Swertfager, 77, of Oxford passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning, March 5, 2016 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Fred was born in Norwich on July 3, 1938 the son of Frederick and Mary (Purdy) Swertfager. He grew up in Norwich and was a 1956 graduate of the Norwich High School. During his high school years, Fred was an outstanding athlete, especially baseball. He was recruited and drafted by the Detroit Tigers and played professional ball for the team until an injury forced his retirement. In honor of his sportsmanship , Fred was inducted to the Norwich High School Hall of Fame. Following his baseball career he gained employment with the Norwich Pharmacal Co. where he worked for a period of 30 years as a machinist. He also played ball for the Chenango County Softball League and the Norwich Shoe Co. team. Fred was also an avid lover of nature and all it had to offer. He enjoyed living in the country, hunting and fishing. There was not a trout stream in Chenango County and beyond that Fred did not know.
To sum it up Fred was “a man’s man”.
Fred is survived by his wife Joan, whom he married in 1968, his children Charles Swertfager and wife Denise of Atlanta, GA, Robert Swertfager also of Atlanta, Lydia Evanson and husband Greg of AZ, Tara Yanni and husband Rich of Scranton, PA and Rebecca Doing and companion Leon Manwarren of Sherburne and his mother Mary Swertfager of Norwich. Also surviving are his grandchildren Heather, Ryan, Jennifer, Sam, Jamie, Bryce, Drew and Mercedes along with several great grandchildren.
Services for Fred will be at the convenience of his family.