Fred R. Tunick

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1937, Fred met the love of his life, Iris Finkelstein, at LIU in 1959. On the way to their first date, as Fred left his house, he heard his parents exclaim “Jack, do something about David!” “Esther, what do you want me to do?” and, entering Iris’s house he heard her parents yelling, “Jack, do something about David!” “Esther, what do you want me to do?” It was bashert. He proposed just two weeks later, and they remained inseparable for the next 66 years.

The couple made Stamford their home in 1963 when they returned from Landstuhl, Germany, following Fred’s Army service, with their firstborn daughter. A lifelong educator and advocate for children, Fred devoted 32 years to the Westport School System as a speech pathologist and administrator, where his compassion and dedication shaped the lives of many students.

Fred’s greatest joy and lasting legacy, however, was his 25 years as Director of Our Victory Day Camp. Under his leadership, the camp became a place of inclusion, safety, and joy for countless children and families. Fred’s warmth, patience, and unwavering belief in every child’s potential left a profound and enduring impact on generations of campers, many of whom considered him a guiding presence in their lives.

Fred was always active. Whether he was coaching Elyse’s Little League team, leading Debbie’s choir parent organization, planting vegetable gardens, converting the garage into a family room, taking the yearly “after camp” cross-country trip with Iris, he never found a task outside his comfort zone or abilities.

While he cherished many friendships throughout the years, his lifelong relationship with his younger brother, David, brought him immense joy.

Fred was a devoted father to Deborah Strumpf (Kurt) of Monroe, Connecticut, and Elyse Cross (David) of Norwalk, Connecticut, and a proud grandfather to Jonathan Strumpf (Natalie), Emma Strumpf (Daniel), and Jackie Cross.

Fred will be remembered for his deep commitment to his children, his unbounding energy, and the many lives he touched, especially at Our Victory Day Camp. His legacy of kindness and service will live on through the families he helped, the community he loved and the example he set for us all.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Fred's memory to Connecticut Foodshare at https://donate.ctfoodshare.org/campaign/649646/donate