Bud was born on June 21, 1935 in White Plains, New York to Evelyn and James LaFredo. He grew up in Olean, New York, an only child, but in a close-knit family. He served on the altar for the Episcopal Church. He could swim like a fish and became a Lifeguard and earned his Eagle Scout badge at 16 years old.
Bud enlisted in the United States Air Force and served thirty years. While he was stationed in England, he went to London to visit the Queen but instead met the love of his life, Hilda Baker. Bud and Hilda married July 20, 1957. They were married sixty-six years and had three children whom he loved dearly and made him proud – Steve, Evelyn, and Jim. He was a devoted father who always made time for his children, while completing two master’s degrees.
Whether it was baseball or basketball games, horse-riding competitions, or helping with boy scout tasks, he was there. He adored his ten grandchildren, and cherished every moment spent with his ten great grandchildren, and they all loved their Papa.
Upon his retirement from the military, Bud worked in civil service for ten years. He achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant earning a Meritorious Service Medal working as a non-commissioned officer in charge of the Judge Advocate General’s Office. He was a hard task master.
He and Hilda visited many European countries, and they were stationed in England, Oregon, Delaware, Azores, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Florida and Texas.
He was an avid high school football fan attending all games. He loved history and his passion was traveling all over the US in his RV with Hilda and their grandchildren. No matter what time of day it was he had to have breakfast in a restaurant that is why he had so many female friends who are servers.
He also helped Hilda with the animals she rescued for a local humane society.
Pallbearers for the service are Derrick Grelle, Michael Grelle, Vincent LaFredo, Anthony LaFredo, Steve LaFredo, Evelyn LaFredo, Paul Rodriguez, and Benjamin Lee.
In lieu of flowers express sympathy with donation to Purrfect Treasures (special needs rescue) purrfecttreasures.org or www.homesforpets.org/donate (rescue)
