Mr. Fred S. Kotteck

It is with sadness that the family of Fred S. Kotteck informs his friends that Fred passed away in the evening of March 2nd at Aventura Hospital in Aventura, Florida. Affectionately referred to as "Freddy" by friends and family alike, he embraced all he met. The journey for Fred started on March 6, 1923 in New York City and literally took him all over the world. He was born to Eva Nierdka Kotteck (Trofinoff) and Stephen Kotteck who both predeceased him. After he graduated from Seward Park High School in 1940, Fred attended City College of New York where he completed a two year program in Pre-Engineering. He served in the US Army during WWII with Company A, 353rd Infantry Regiment, 89th Infantry Division. His service commenced with his attendance at the Army War College at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, where Fred studied Civil Engineering, completing the advanced course and receiving his certificate. His tour of duty took him to Europe and most notably France, Luxembourg, Germany and Austria. His unit remained on the Czech border performing occupation duty following the war's conclusion in Europe. Freddie was awarded Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the Bronze Star. After being honorably discharged in 1946, Fred enrolled at American University in Washington, D.C. where he graduated with a B.S. degree in Business Administration and Economics in 1949. Fred began his career working as an Engineering Aid in Washington, D.C. working for the Department of the Interior. His career moved into business where he was employed as a Purchasing Agent. Beginning with Ester William Pools, where he met Ester Williams then Carite Engineering in Puerto Rico before eventually joining and retiring from Social Security. Fluent in several languages, Fred enjoyed traveling the world. Upon retirement, Fred summered at Rova Resort in New Jersey and wintered in North Miami Beach, Florida where he was active in the Russian American community. He was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, AM VETS and Rova Farm Resort. He was an avid golfer and happiest on the course. Fred’s adventurous spirit led him to pursue amateur photography where he documented his travels around Europe, the Caribbean and especially his beloved France and Quebec, Canada. Fred’s gregarious nature and love of life touched the lives of many. His warm smile and generous heart will be greatly missed. Fred is predeceased by his girlfriend of many years, Laurette Bolduc who passed away – 6-10-2000. He is survived by two sisters, Helen Pyzow (nee Kotteck), New York City; Dorothy Johnson (nee Trofinoff),Westford, New York; a brother, Henry P. Trofinoff, Beacon, New York & Lake Worth, Florida, several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. A memorial service was held on Monday, March 9, 2009 from 3-7pm at Lithgow-Bennett-Philbrick Funeral Home, 15011 W. Dixie Highway North Miami, Florida. Arrangements under the direction of Lithgow-Bennet-Philbrick Funeral Home/Memorial Plan in North Miami, FL. . In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to AMVETS National Service Foundation 4647 Forbes Boulevard, Lanham, MD 20706 in Fred's memory.