OBITUARY
Raymond E. Fredette
July 29, 1930 – June 18, 2013
FREDETTE, Raymond E., age 82 of West Carrollton, passed away June 18, 2013 at Kettering Medical Center. He was born July 29, 1930 in Chicago, IL. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Barbara A. (Reilly) Fredette; his children, Raymond W. (Beth) Fredette of Huber Heights, Anthony J. (Annette) Fredette of Porterville, CA, Roch A. Fredette of Cincinnati, Monica B. Fredette of Vine Grove, KY and Paul (Mary Claire) Fredette of Cincinnati; grandchildren, Andrew, Raymond, Meagan, Nicole, Anthony, Luke, Zachary, Naomi, Mariana, Elijah, Ava, Therese, Dominic and Blaise; his brother, Robert Fredette of Phoenix, AZ as well as other extended family and many friends. Ray graduated from Lane Tech High School in Chicago and went on to serve in the US Air Force before continuing his education at University of Notre Dame where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering. This foundation provided him the opportunity to serve in many areas of research for Wright Patterson Air Force Base nearly 35 years before retirement. Ray was also a member of Our Lady of Good Hope Church, Miamisburg and over the years was known to many children as Coach Fredette. Ray enjoyed spending his leisure time with family and painting. Prayers and especially masses for the repose of his soul are appreciated. Family will receive friends Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Gebhart-Schmidt-Parramore Funeral Home, Miamisburg from 2:00 – 5:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will commence 10:00 AM Monday, June 24, 2013 at Our Lady of Good Hope Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Dayton. Memorial contributions may be made to Elizabeth New Life Center at 359 Forest Ave #203, Dayton, OH 45405. Personal condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting memorial at www.gebhartschmidtparramore.com.
Services
- Visitation Sunday, June 23, 2013
- Mass of Christian Burial Monday, June 24, 2013
REMEMBERING
Raymond E. Fredette
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RECEIVE UPDATESL. A. (Bud) Youkers
July 22, 2013
Ray Fredette was my very first boss in his Design Integration department at WPAFB in the middle 1960's. He was very understanding of the limitations of a U.C. college student in a co-op job. I remember him as very smart and enthusiastic in everything he did — the finest of men — and always enjoyed talking with him about the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. To the Fredette family: my sincere sympathy. R.I.P.
Sheila Walker
July 22, 2013
I just found out about the death of Mr. Ray Fredette. I am deeply saddened about this and would have liked to attend the funeral to show my respect. Coach Fredette surely lived his great life inspiring many positives into peoples lives. He was a big part of the character building in my life. I am sure he is currently up in heaven comparing track times with my father who died many years ago. To all the Fredettes- you were surely blessed to have such a wonderful man in your life for all those years! He will be missed! Somehow I have a feeling that when I finally reach the gates of heaven- he will be there waiting with his stopwatch in hand and a whistle-ready for ROUND 2! Love all of you!
Frank Campanile
June 26, 2013
Ray was smart, a gentleman and always a class act. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Frank Campanile
Rose Rizner
June 24, 2013
The Fredette family is in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Fredette is in a wonderful place and is already coaching up there. He was a wonderful man, you all were very lucky to have him. Rose Rizner (Anderson)
Katrina Snyder-Taylor
June 24, 2013
As my brother Karl has said there are many fond memories of our "Uncle Ray". His smile, laugh and voice are forever engraved in my mind. Will miss going to the races with him. I have so many wonderful memories. As I have read through these messages and see all he has influcenced as a coach of track and football, I am saddened as he never had the opportunity to watch my son run the ball or watch him at track but now I know "uncle Ray" will be watching over & coaching him as he heals and begins to compete again! Prayers & blessings to the entire Fredette family!
Trina
Audrey Bernier Schwankl
June 24, 2013
My condolences to all of you. I've been in town for the CJ reunion and got the news that Ray had died. We saw my brother Brad's first child for the first time today while you began to say goodbye to a dear husband and father. "May the circle be unbroken" as they say down south. God bless you all.
Chuck Bridgman
June 24, 2013
The CJ community lost a great one last week with the passing of Ray Fredette Senior, 1999 CJ Hall of Fame inductee, Ray Fredette was football scout extraordinaire under the state qualifying teams of Kenny Amlin and Jim Place at CJ. Ray had the unique ability to single-handedly scout a football game both offense and defense, every position. Something that would normally require several individuals to do. Jim Place was known to say that once he scouted a team Ray probably knew more about that team then their coach did.
During the 80's and 90's Ray spent many spring track seasons instructing sprinters and hurdlers at CJ. Probably one of the best hurdle technicians in Dayton, Ray was responsible for many CJ runners advancing all the way to State and capturing State titles.
Ray developed his football and track coaching skills at St. Peter's grade school in Huber Heights where he coached football and track in the 70s and 80s. Ray was the head coach that lead the Panthers to numerous undefeated seasons in those sports - dominating the CYO league in the Dayton area.
Ray graduated from Notre Dame in 1954 in Aeronautical Engineering. He played football for the Fighting Irish until a career ending ankle injury.
Ray was ahead of his time not only in technique but also the psychological component of nurturing a young athlete. In a time when most coaches were more likely to give a swift kick in the back end for motivation, Ray would communicate with an athlete and pass on knowledge, creating not only trust but also extracting superior performances out of his athletes.
Ray Fredette and the other men of St Peter's Parish. They built a church, raised their families, won the cold war and on the weekends took their kids out to the athletic fields and showed them how to compete and win.
Jim Siewe
June 23, 2013
We have lost a true gentleman. Ray was a sterling example of the power of a positive attitude. His greetings were always wrapped in a friendly warmth and punctuated with his infectious smile. He was the patriarch of a wonderful family. I thank him for the sincere friendship he extended to myself and my family. My heartfelt condolences to the Fredette family.
Bob Katcavage
June 23, 2013
Sorry for the passing of a very selfless person and outstanding coach. Ray's wit and personality will be missed. I'll never forget that laugh of his! Rest in peace old friend,
June 23, 2013
We send our heartfelt sympathy to Barbara and the Fredette Family. We were privileged to know Ray and Barbara for many years while at St. Peters. Ray was a great coach, educator and loving friend to our boys and all those he coached. His spirituality was deep and to be admired. Ray, a job well-done, may you rest in peace with Our Lord. John & Jean Schons
Randy Schmidt
June 23, 2013
Although it has been over 30 years since I have seen or talked with Coach Fredette (Arête Track Team), he has always been an influence in my life. My prayers go to his family and friends.
June 23, 2013
Randall B Lowry, Deltona, FL
I worked at the Flight Dynamics Labortory with Ray for many years. He was an excellent conceptual aircraft designer and a warm friendly person. My condolences to Ray's family.
Julie Raiff
June 22, 2013
Sending heartfelt thanks to God for the people like Mr. Fredette whom always gave so generously of himself, whether in time, service or inspiration. Saying prayers and sending love to the family.
June 22, 2013
Coach Fredette was my coach at Chaminade Juliene HS as both a Freshman and sophomore. Coach always stressed to give your personal best at everything. I will miss him.
Nancy (Sargent) Pierson
June 22, 2013
I am so very sorry for your loss and hold you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please know that I have the fondest memories of "Coach" Fredette from on and off the track. I will never forget all the special memories as a child of our two families always being together, but most of all I hold the fond memories of two very special men that loved to coach together...."Ray and Sarge". They were both such special coaches that have touched so many lives, and I am honored to have been coached by the best! I am sure the two of them are up in heaven already talking football and track. You will be missed "Coach" Fredette!
Jane Gram
June 22, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. I remember him as a great supporter of athletics at St. Peter's, whether he was coaching, or on the sidelines, cheering for one of his kids. What a great legacy he leaves behind.
Trina Ricker Gholson
June 22, 2013
To the Fredette Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, father, grandfather, etc. I certainly remember Coach Fredette during my one year of track...I don't know who could yell louder, Coach Fredette or my mom! Oh laugh, if you knew my mom, it's funny!
John Mauo
June 22, 2013
Success is not measured by the greatness you have achieved for yourself, it is measured by the way you have helped others find and achieve greatness in themselves.
Thank you Mr. Fredette - John Mauro; St Peter Football and Track
Greg Bauman
June 22, 2013
Ray Fredette coached me and many others in football and track for many years. While I would go on to play many seasons after and all the experiences that life brings, his influence has been a lasting one. My thoughts and prayers for the Fredette family.
Mike Rizner
June 22, 2013
Although "Coach" Fredette will always hold a special place in my heart and memory as one of the most influential football and track coaches I have ever had the pleasure of competing for, he equally served as an example and role model to me to help shape my character and values that I still carry with me to this day. For that, I am forever grateful and honored to have known Coach Fredette as a leader, mentor and a great man. As a testament to his influence on my life, at 48 I still go down to the HS track and run stairs, sprints and fartleks. From this day forward, I will dedicate my workouts to your memory coach so that your spirit and presence will always be with me. May all of the Fredette's find peace and comfort in celebrating the life Ray Fredette, Sr.
Joan Mendenhall
June 22, 2013
I remember all those years running track at St Peters I always thought he was a great coach.
June 22, 2013
My grandfather was always smiling and never failed to yell at the t.v. While watching a great football game. I love you.
Barbara Rizner
June 22, 2013
I enjoyed all my years helping CYO St. Peter Track Team. You were a fantastic coach and thank you for coaching all my children. I am submitting an old picture of Coach Bridgman, myself, and you during a St. Peter track practice. Peace & Prayers to the Fredette Family!
Mary Beth (Rizner) Theil
June 22, 2013
Coach Fredette was the best! Fond memories of CYO St. Peter Track, Arete Track Club, and Wayne High School Track! Will never forget the VW "bug" he drove to practices and just wanted to shout out one last time...."BLUE...HOY!" As the final baton has been passed!
Ronald Settich
June 22, 2013
I was sad to hear about your loss, Ray coached me at St. Peters and then at Chaminade Julienne High School, he was in my opinion one of my greatest mentors.
June 22, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. Ray was such a great person to know. Missed everyone after church group was over.I will keep you in my prayers.
Helen Mullins
Kyle West
June 21, 2013
Ray taught us many things and if we were lucky enough, a little bit of the Coach rubbed off on us. I still have a few of the 3x5 index cards he used with track workouts handwritten for each athlete. There is a quote by Khalil Gibran that I often refer to in times of sorrow.
"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."
Karl Snyder
June 21, 2013
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the entire Fredette family. I loved my "Uncle Ray". He was a great man and had what I consider to be the most infectious laugh I have ever heard. Brings a smile to my face just thinking about it. I have great memories of both Ray and Barb at my parents so called "Xmas Tree Trimming" parties when I was young. I am also very happy that Ray was able to see his beloved Fighting Irish return to glory. You will be missed and never forgotten. Karl Snyder