Fred was one of three children born to the late Eleuterio and Octavia Hodge. Followed by two other sisters from his Mother’s second marriage. Fred grew up in the Bronx, NY in the ’50s and as a young man, he was an avid acapella hallway singer. His love of singing prompted him to join an all Puerto Rican Doo-Wop group called “The Eternals”. At the age of 18, he left the group to enlist in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Benning, GA. He married his first wife Aida and had three children. Upon his discharge, he was employed at Bronx State Hospital which he retired from after twenty years. Fred, a firm believer in the mindset of “I’m a lover, not a fighter”, had his fourth child. As a father of four, he always acknowledged his responsibilities and love for his family and encouraged his children to do the same. While employed at Bronx State Hospital he met his second wife Magda. Shortly after getting married, they moved to Tampa, Florida. Upon moving to Florida Fred worked as a Patient Transporter for the J.A. Haley V.A. Hospital in Tampa and retired again after twenty years.
Once retired Fred gained a love for art and travel. His artistic abilities were revealed in the intricate paint by number paintings, he would skillfully bring to life. His love for traveling took him all over the world and coast to coast including China, Greece, Cuba, Mexico, Belize, Germany, Hawaii, and many more. Fred also enjoyed accompanying his wife Magda on her business trips and always told everyone he was “Driving Miss Daisy”. He enjoyed spending time with family as well as friends who became family.
Fred is predeceased by his parents, a brother, and a grandson. He is survived by Magda, his beloved wife of 50 years; daughter Belinda; sons Gerald, Erick, Jeffrey; sisters Antonia, Pola, Octavia; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews, and extended family and friends.
A Funeral Service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 27th, followed by a Visitation until 6 p.m. at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 E. Lake Ave., Tampa, FL 33610.
Committal Service will begin at 12:30 p.m., Monday, March 28th, at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241 where Fred will receive military honors.
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