OBITUARY
Fred Posavetz
June 15, 1956 – March 22, 2021
Fred Alan Posavetz, 64, of Washington Township, Michigan passed away with his loving family by his side on Monday, March 22, 2021 at University of Michigan Ann Arbor Hospital. He will forever be loved and remembered as a husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and long-time sworn member of the law enforcement profession.
Fred was born on June 15, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan to Fred and Louise (Bonora) Posavetz. He was a graduate of Detroit Pershing High School, attended Wayne State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.
Fred’s many achievements in law enforcement include graduating from the FBI National Academy Class 220, a member of the Michigan Chapter FBI National Academy Associates training curriculum, serving as President of the Macomb County Police Chiefs and a member of the Clinton Township Police Department Honor Guard. His biggest honor was serving the community of Clinton Township as their Chief of Police for 14 years.
Spanning a 41 year career with the Clinton Township Police Department, Fred joined the department in April 1980. He became the first K-9 Officer for the department in 1987, which remains a current position in the department today. He was promoted to rank of Sergeant in March 1991 continuing his promotional climb to the rank of Captain in July 1996. As a captain, Fred had many duties including being Road Patrol Commander, Special Investigations Division Commander, Criminal Investigations Division Commander, and Support Services Commander. In April 2007, he was promoted to the position Chief of Police, whereby he proudly served until his passing.
Family and community were Fred’s top priorities. He lived and loved life to the fullest daily, enjoying it with the devoted company of his family and long-time friends. Fred cherished the sunshine and any environment that provided the warmth with it. His manicured lawn and landscape of tip top shape was a passion relished by Fred. His family and friends simply describe Fred as committed, strong, courageous and always joyful. When Fred walked into a room, he knew exactly how to make everyone smile, remaining gracious to everyone he encountered.
Fred was very loyal to his community, but always left room for family time. He enjoyed many trips with family and friends, was an avid sports fan and competitor with baseball as his first choice. Fred understood what was important in life, how to prioritize his life. He was able to separate those things of little consequence to what mattered most.
Fred is survived by his loving wife Marsha (Vohs) Posavetz, daughters Robin Posavetz and Rachel Posavetz (Christopher), sons Ryan Posavetz and Eric Posavetz, his stepchildren Chris Koester (Beja) and Rebecca Koester, his siblings Arleen Mistalski (Larry), Donna Byrd (David), Karen Brosowski (Robert) and several nieces, nephews and remaining family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred Posavetz and Louise (Bonora) Posavetz.
Family memorial services will be held Friday, March 26, 2021. Services will be livestreamed at 11 AM. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6249875412?pwd=Q052NlJxN1hiZEZiSHZreTd3eFpZUT09
Meeting ID: 624 987 5412
Passcode: 06151956
A visitation for the general public will follow from 12-4 PM, a visitation for Police Honor Guard Units from 4-6 PM for pass and review, at the Clinton Township Civic Center, 40700 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township, 48038. Graveside services will take place privately Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East (Garfield and Clinton River Road in Clinton Township). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Clinton Township Police Honor Guard.
Services
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Family Memorial Service
Friday, March 26, 2021
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Visitation for General Public
Friday, March 26, 2021
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Visitation for Police Honor Guard Units
Friday, March 26, 2021
Memories
Fred Posavetz
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYBridget Bobick
March 29, 2021
I am still in shock over Fred’s passing. Fred was such a good man, a proud law enforcement officer, proud husband and family man and he was so kind to everyone he came in contact with.
My in-laws grew up with Fred’s parents back in Yatesboro, PA. Surprising as it maybe, quite a few Yatesboro residents moved to Michigan and remained friends. Fred Sr, Louise and most of the Posavetz family attended our wedding. I ran into Fred for the first time in ages when my daughter’s Brownie troop toured the CTPD (twenty years ago). Fred was our tour guide so we were able to “catch up” on our families. It was always a pleasant conversation running into Fred around town. Proudly coming from a long line of police officers myself, Fred knew how much my family supports law enforcement.
My favorite memory of Fred is the lip sync video he made with his fellow officers. That video truly captured Fred’s personality. I must admit, I have watched that video a few times since hearing of Fred’s passing.
Our deepest condolences to Fred’s family, friends, colleagues and residents.
Judith (Kavalauskus) swiderski
March 27, 2021
My heart is sadden as we are unable to attend your memorial service and must say our goodbyes to you. I went to high school with Fred, we attended Wayne state around the same time. I became his daughter, Robyn’s godmother , he came to our wedding. We went to concerts together like hall and oats, foreigner and The Beach Boys We played softball and I even empire one of your games. We built homes in sterling hgts and sent our kids to the same schools. As friends often do over the years we loss touch with each other but we often followed your career accomplishments via newspapers, tv and friends, we were so proud of you. We last saw you 10 years ago and we’re able to catch up on family and friends. Rest In Peace old friend and know that we feel safer that you are watching over us in heaven as you did here.on earth. We will remember you as a fine athlete, good friend and a great father Our condolences to all his family and friends he will be missed.
Shelby Smith
March 27, 2021
Uncle Fred,
You are the most caring person I have ever met. I will never forget the times we all spent up north at my dads cottage as well as sitting by your side during the boys football or basketball games. You were their biggest fan! I am so thankful that you were able to meet my little family. I will miss seeing you when we came into town or talking to you whenever you were together with my dad. Please keep looking over Aunt Marsha, your kids and my dad. God knows how much they miss and need you. I will try my best to always be there for them no matter where I am.
I love you so much and always will,
Shelby Smith
Justin Cabe
March 26, 2021
To the Posavetz Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Fred’s passing. I just don’t have the words. Fred was such a nice man, character and role model for us all! His love of family, his department and community knew no bounds. I always enjoyed the times I’d run into him around town, and be able to catch up for a few, Fred always made you feel like a friend. At times, when he would run into my children, he would make them feel like a million bucks! During the Open Houses at the department, Fred would always call out “those Cabe kids” and spend some time engaging with them, at their level. That was Fred! A man among men, and we’re all better off for knowing him! My sincerest condolences!
Justin Cabe
Marty Mileski
March 26, 2021
I will always remember Chief Posavetz as a fine officer, and caring person. I remember Him when he hired on CTPD and at times worked with him at crime scene's when he was our K9 officer.
Fred wanted to be involved, and when bad things were happening on the streets he was there. He could always be counted on. Rest in peace Fred
Marty Mileski
CTPD Detective retired 1993
William Furno
March 26, 2021
Fred loved his children tremendously. For several years, we shared the gym at CTPD, In the early mornings. I was always impressed with his Daily wakeup calls to his kids. Everyday, he never missed those conversations. At the end of each call was I LOVE YOU. He was a committed parent and Police officer.
WILLIAM FURNO
Dan DiBardino
March 26, 2021
The staff of Crime Stoppers of Michigan sends their thoughts and prayers for the Chief and his entire family.
God rest his soul and bless all those who morn his passing.
Dan DiBardino
President- Crime Stoppers of Michigan
Tom Hill
March 26, 2021
Chief Posavetz thank you for your leadership, kindness, and dedicated service to the Clinton Township Police Department and the community we serve. May you rest in peace!
Dennis Cieslak
March 26, 2021
My father worked with Fred Posavetz in the Clinton Township Police Department until he retired in 1989. He always had very good things to say about him. When my Father passed away in 2017 he made sure that my father was recognized with full honors. He was also very supportive of our family. I express my deepest sympathies to his family. He was a great man and a great Police Officer. He is gone way too soon. Rest in Peace.
Rosa n Brian Tosolt
March 26, 2021
My husband an I met Fred a few times along with his Beautiful wife Marsha .
He was always kind to us .
Fred had beautiful blue eyes an I remember telling him so. This is such a huge loss for Clinton Twp Police Dept .
With Our Deepest Sympathy
Mark Saad
March 26, 2021
I remember when Fred started the canine program. Nando was an amzing dog when Fred got through training him. This community will be far less without this great man. I will forever love and remember him. Rest in peace my brother.
Ron Watson
March 26, 2021
Fred and I worked together while we were in high school at Great Scott's supermarket where I have some fond memories in and outside work. We lost track but a few years ago I heard someone behind me say " you should go back to packing groceries at Great Scott" It was like we had never missed a beat.
Fred was loyal to his family. I am sorry for your loss.
Carol Hackstock
March 25, 2021
It was a pleasure to have known Fred and his mom Louise for many years. Prayers and peace for his family. Rest In Peace, Fred.
Deborah McClellan
March 25, 2021
Dear Posavetz Family:
I was so saddened to hear about Fred's passing. I am praying for strength, comfort and support for your family by remembering all the good memories of such an amazing man. I will never forget his bright personality and how he would always make me laugh over the years with his great sense of humor. It was an honor to know him. May Fred rest in peace. He will be surely missed.
Love,
Deborah McClellan
Joseph Fix
March 25, 2021
Chief Posavetz dedicated to his life to something greater than himself. He was a great man and leader. What he created and fostered is now in the hands of those who learned from him and were inspired by him. Chief's example will guide the stewards of his legacy. He will always be with us.
Michael Hamlin
March 25, 2021
I’ve know Fred my entire life. He and my Father (Jim Hamlin) have been best friends for over 50 years. I have so many great memories with Fred. From playing basketball barefoot in the driveway, to poking fun of my Dad and I will always cherish hearing stories about the old days. Fred was a great man, he will be missed by so many. My family will forever be grateful to have know him and had the pleasure to call him a friend.
Cheryl Cannon
March 25, 2021
Words cannot express my sorrow. Fred was our perfect police chief. My kids and grandkids loved him because he gave them and everyone around him the time of day. Fred loved Marsha, his kids, family and being a police officer. And he loved people and showed it. How blessed we all are to know him. Sorry you won’t get to win the trivia game this year, but I know you’ll be watching from above. Thanks for your years of dedication to Clinton Township.
lenora shiring
March 25, 2021
I will miss you Freddy, handsome, athletic, sense of humor with that shy devilish laugh. The only cousin that called me La'norda Ba'norda! I cherish all the times our families spent together as kids in Yatesboro growing up. And I'm so proud of the amazing police officer and chief you became. Its a testimony of how wonderful a human you were by the number of people that love you from the police force, the community , friends and family. My sympathies to Marsha and your whole family. I'll be talking to you periodically up there ........give the family a hug from me. Lenora and Keith
Shannon Hamlin Arnette
March 25, 2021
My dad (Jim Hamlin) was best friends with Fred for 50+ years, so I had know him my whole life. Fred really was such an amazing person. Strong, caring, and so funny are just a few, of many things, I could say to describe him. Fred was such a wonderful person to have known while growing up and really brought out the very best in everyone around him. I know my family will never stop missing him. An incredibly great man gone way too soon.
David Frame
March 25, 2021
While I never knew Fred in person I was honored to know him through his loving wife. His love, passion, compassion, strength, service to his family and community has touched me greatly. To Marsha and the whole family, I am So So sorry for your loss. May God grant you the full power of His loving spirit , the Spirit that Fred was blessed with and shared with so many. You are in my prayers.
Sincerely
David
Debbie Staller
March 25, 2021
I am deeply saddened at the passing of this wonderful man, Chief Fred Posavetz. I had the privilege of working with him at Clinton Township and will always remember his smile, kindness and compassion! My prayers and deepest sympathies are with his beautiful wife, children and entire family.
Mary Ann Hosey
March 25, 2021
I am deeply saddened to hear of Fred’s passing. He was an amazing man and I had great respect for him. I am honored I was able to work with him for the many years I was employed at the township. He will be missed by all. God bless you, Fred.
Joe Mertes
March 24, 2021
Fred was a man of character and integrity who was an exemplary leader. I had the honor and pleasure of working with Fred when we were street cops in the Township. Fred began the K9 unit at CTPD with his K9 partner Cos. He drove an old green Chevy Suburban in need of constant repair. Unselfishly, Fred never complained about his patrol vehicle knowing the importance of the K9 program. A “Cop’s cop.” RIP Fred.