Frederick F. Kurkowski

Frederick F Kurkowski, "Fred", 85 passed away peacefully on March 1, 2016 at AO Fox Memorial Hospital with his family at his side. Fred was born on January 19, 1931 in Cooperstown, NY, the son of August and Mary, (Burke), Kurkowski.

Fred graduated from Richfield Springs Central School and then entered the Army and was honorably discharged. Fred was an outstanding athlete who played all sports in high school and baseball while in college. He attended the State University at Oneonta where he met the love of his life, Hazel Ann Hotaling. Fred swept Hazel off her feet and they eloped on January 7, 1956. Upon marrying Hazel he found a wonderful family in the Hotalings and they welcomed him as a beloved son. Theirs was a love that endured and grew and they just celebrated their 60th anniversary this past January. Fred graduated from Oneonta State with a teaching degree and his first position was as a teacher and coach in Richfield Springs. He then became principal in Windsor, NY and finally returned to Oneonta, where he began his long and fulfilling career at his alma mater. Fred taught in the Education Department for several years while earning his doctorate in Albany. He then served as Chair of the Education Department until his retirement in 1991.

Aside from his work Fred had many outside interests. He was the Founder of the Pee Wee Football Program in Oneonta and served as the Commissioner for five years. He served on the Oneonta Parks and Recreation Board for many years and helped implement many youth programs that are still in place today. He was an avid coin collector, loved to golf and was a member of The Oneonta Country Club for many years. Upon retirement Hazel and Fred were fortunate enough to winter in Vero Beach, Florida for 25 years where they made many lifelong friends. While Fred accomplished much in his lifetime, what brought him the most joy was spending time with his grandchildren and watching them excel in their various activities.

Fred is survived by his wife Hazel of sixty years, son Kevin, (Susan), and grandchildren Kaitlyn, Kyle and Kevers. His daughter Kim, (Kerry), Huffman and grandchildren Alec, Zac and Caden. His daughter Kari Ahlqvist and granddaughter Emily. Daughter Kristie Flynn and grandchildren Liam, Jack and Lily. He is also survived by his sister Margaret of Bowling Green Kentucky and brother Jim, (Barbara), of Richfield Springs and many loving nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, March 4th from 4 to 6 pm at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta. A time of sharing will follow at 6 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Fred's memory to Greater Oneonta Football , C/O Jason Neer, 36-38 State Highway 23, West Oneonta, New York, 13861.