Mr. Fred Demarco

Fred James DeMarco, aka Freddie D, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, at his home surrounded by family and friends after a long illness. He was 78 years old, but only recently stopped asking everyone his classic question, “When’s it going to happen? When am I going to age?”

Fred was a longtime resident of Columbia, Missouri but never let anyone forget that Eastchester, NY was his hometown. Fred was born on May 19, 1947, to Frank and Katheryn (“Kay”) DeMarco. The DeMarco family was a fixture in Eastchester, and Fred excelled at athletics. He was the starting quarterback of the Eastchester High School football team and captain of the basketball team. His academic career was slightly less illustrious, but in classic Freddie fashion he wore it as a badge of honor. Once, bringing home a report card with all Fs save for a single D in one subject (probably Gym), he explained to his parents, “I guess I just focused too much on one subject.”

Family was a constant presence growing up, from Sunday dinners with his Italian grandmother, to the rotating cast of aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends who spent time at the family home at 27 Longview Drive. His mother, Kay, was the great love of his life, especially when she wasn’t staying at his house in Columbia; his father, Frank, gave him his best material. His older sister Lana was his favorite sparring partner, from childhood until they were both well into their 70s. He doted on his younger sister Janice and younger brother Bobby, bringing both to live near him in Missouri. He carried this focus on family with him always, serving as a constant presence in the lives of those he loved, never missing a family event and frequently hosting them.

After graduating from Kansas Wesleyan University, Fred had brief stints as a schoolteacher and a pharmaceutical representative before finally landing on his life’s calling: running one of the best bars in the history of Columbia, Missouri.

Fred took over the old Columbia Tribune Building in 1975 and turned it into Déjà Vu (“The Vu”), the comedy night club that quickly became a fixture of Columbia nightlife and one of the most popular stops for rising comedians during the comedy boom of the 80’s and 90’s. After selling The Vu in 2004, Freddie moved into the ice cream racket, running a successful Cold Stone Creamery out of the building he owned on the corner of 10th & Elm in downtown Columbia earning him the self-proclaimed name “Scoop Daddy”. He was also a generous supporter of local causes, including Job Point. For decades he hosted an annual comedy night that raised money for this organization.

He ran both Déjà Vu and his other business ventures with his signature boisterous humor and attention to detail. He was always happy to let everyone know exactly what it takes to make a business work, and hundreds of managers, bartenders, waitresses, comics and bouncers are better for that exposure to the “Freddie D School of Business”.

While Déjà Vu will likely be his legacy, we would be remiss to ignore the time and energy he poured into his non-paying job, Mizzou Sports Booster. For 45 years, he was a fixture on the football sidelines, outlasting at least six head coaches. A quick look at Columbia Tribune photos from key sideline moments is a bit like playing Where’s Waldo? with Freddie in his signature black Mizzou windbreaker. The Vu was also frequented by countless athletes over the decades, and Freddie remained close with many until his passing.

This longevity of friendship was not unique to athletes. Freddie was loved by so many people, maintaining close friendships from childhood through his illness when he charmed his nurses. His Christmas Eve parties were legendary, and everyone was welcome. Everyone loved him because he loved them right back. There was no one who would laugh harder at a funny line, even if he sometimes “borrowed” the punchline for retelling later. When a friend saw success, he was the first to tell them how proud he was, and the first to brag about them to everyone else. And, when a loved one had a rough time, he was the first to offer support and encouragement. Whether you worked for him briefly decades ago or have known him since birth, chances are you have a story of his quiet, over-the-top generosity, and how knowing him made your life better. We can’t wait to hear them all.

Fred was preceded in death by his mother, Kay DeMarco; his father, Frank DeMarco; his older sister, Lana Formato; his younger brother, Robert DeMarco; and many dear aunts, uncles and cousins - especially his beloved Uncle Lenny DeMarco with whom he shared deep love of golf, poker and busting balls.

Fred is survived by his devoted daughter Kim Frazier and her husband Allen, who kept him laughing until the end; his beloved younger sister, Janice and her husband Doug Franklin, whose lives were so intertwined for decades; his nieces Alison Franklin Milam (Shane), Katherine DeMarco, and Kim Hawrey (Cliff); his nephews James Franklin (Emma) and Andrew DeMarco (Cassidy); his grandson Dane Frazier (Megan); four great-grandchildren; eight grand-nieces and nephews; and countless dear friends who are too numerous to list here. His dear friend Rich Kriftewirth deserves special mention for steadfastly taking care of Freddie every day over the last four years as his illness progressed.

The family will be hosting a celebration of life worthy of such a great man, so please start collecting your stories now. Details will be shared soon.

In closing, never forget the words of the great philosopher from Eastchester, New York, “Who loves ya, baby?!” Oh, Freddie, we all do. We all do.

Memorial donations can be made to Job Point, 400 Wilkes Blvd, Columbia, MO 65201.