Fred D. Quattrin

Fred was born on January 18, 1933, in Springfield, the son of Alfred and Cecilia (Serena) Quattrin. He was raised with strong values of family, hard work, and pride in his Italian heritage, values he carried throughout his life.

Fred married Shirley Houser in 1956, and together they shared many loving years raising their 2 children until her passing in 1993. He later married Carolee Goatley in 1999, who preceded him in death in 2011.

Fred is survived by his two children, David (Anna) Quattrin of Springfield and Monica (Mark) Polistina of Sherman; two stepdaughters, Karen Brockman of Springfield, Linda (Randy) Bilbe of Rochester; and stepson, Terry (Sunhi) Goatley of San Antonio, Texas. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Sarah (Sean) Coombe, Ashley Armstead, MiaBella (Matthew) Lorton, and Massimo “Maxx” (Morgan) Polistina. He also is survived by several nieces and nephews and cousins, as well as several step-grandchildren.

He was blessed with great-grandchildren, Annelise Coombe, Jacob Coombe, Emerson Coombe, Melody (Clark) Weckman of Collinsville, Aiden Armstead, Adalynn Armstead, Maddox Polistina, and one great-great-grandchild Margot Weckman.

Fred proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1953-1955, spending much of his service stationed in Germany. He often shared stories of his travels throughout Europe while on leave, especially his visit to Italy, where he was welcomed by his aunt, uncle, and extended family. A proud Italian-American, Fred delighted in reconnecting later in life with a cousin in Ravenna, Italy, thanks to the wonders of Facebook. Though he still spoke some Italian, he enthusiastically used Google Translate to carry on meaningful conversations—proof that his curiosity and adaptability never faded. Fred was also a lifetime member of VFW Post 10302.

Fred spent 37 years as a brick mason with Evans-Mason Inc., taking great pride in his work. He loved pointing out the many buildings he helped construct, including the Horace Mann Building and the Illinois State Library, as well as projects in Decatur and Shelbyville. He was bestowed several awards for his masonry work. Fred was a lifetime member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers.

An avid outdoorsman, Fred was especially passionate about fishing and spent over 50 years vacationing at Satko’s Fawn Lake Resort in Deer River, Minnesota, where he created countless memories with family and friends. He also loved tending to his large garden, riding his tractor, and spending time outside keeping his yard in check.

Fred was remarkably handy and creative. He crafted many woodworking pieces for loved ones and made sterling silver rings from pure silver half dollars, which have become treasured heirlooms worn by many.

Fred was surprisingly tech-savvy well into his 90s, always eager to learn and stay connected. He enjoyed watching movies on Netflix and using Amazon Prime. He frequently researched things on Google and was always sharing those facts. Fred was also a devoted fan of women’s basketball, especially cheering on Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever.

Additionally, Fred was a wonderful cook. Even in his 90s, he was still working to perfect his beloved red sauce, a symbol of his heritage, patience, and love of food. He attributed his long life to taking a multivitamin and drinking a small glass of good red wine daily.

Fred will be remembered for his hard work, humor, craftsmanship, devotion to family, and the quiet pride he took in a life well lived. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the things he built, the traditions he passed down, and the love he gave so freely.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 pm, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703.

The Funeral Ceremony will take place at 10:00 am, Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield with Fr. George Nellikunnel, officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Fred was a longstanding member of St. Francis Cabrini Parish and in accordance with his wishes Memorial Contributions may be made to the Parish in his honor.