Frederick J Kalat

He is preceded in death by Jennie and Joe Kalat. He is survived by his wife Bronda Kalat, daughter Regina and grandson Justin Kalat, step-daughter Becky Miller, step-son Glen Lauderdale, step-grandchildren Ashley Hammond, Davied Honerlaw, Nicole Lauderdale, Kathy Lauderdale, and Chrissy Lauderdale, Aunts Ann Weston (Mesa, AZ), Julia Chrezanouski (Springfield, MA), cousins Marie Britton (Mesa, AZ), Shirley Cusluski (Chicopee, MA), John Stefanick (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) and many nieces and nephews.

Freddie was born in Springfield, MA and raised in Westfield, MA and attended Westfield High School.

At age 19, he entered the Air Force May 1954 thru Nov. 1957 – serves at Keesler AFB MS, Scott AFB IL, Elmendorf AFB AK, and Ft. Myers AFB VA. After his tour in the Air Force, he was employed by the Army as a communications manager (Civil Service) from 1959 through 1990. Retired from the Army Communications Security Logistic Agency (CSLA at Ft. Huachuca AZ in 1990. He served in the Air Force and Civil Services for a total of 35.5 years.

Better known to many friends in Tucson as “Freddie The Toro” which was the Tucson Toros mascot (Tucson Sidewinders) from 1969 thru 1985 (17 years) – also served as President of the Tucson Toro Booster Club, which was recognized by the Booster Club Network from Alexandria, AZ as one of the largest and most active Booster Clubs in baseball. During a Tucson Toro game in 1983 Mayor Murphy proclaimed August 21, 1983, to be Fred “Freddie the Toro” Kalat Day, which helped support such programs as the Tucson Toro’s Annual Scholarship Awards. For his devotion to and time spent making Tucson’s sports events come into being. In 1979 he received the Ted Berlin Humanitarian Award presented by the Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias of Arizona. He always shared his love for sports and attended and supported all U of A sports events.

From 1987 to 1991 he did volunteer work for the U of A Club Hockey team and Mavericks pro hockey club. He also did volunteer work for the Copper Bowl for eight years and was recognized as their top volunteer. He enjoyed bowling, playing Santa Claus for charities, clubs, and many friends’ gatherings. For many years he cooked hamburgers at Eddie’s on Broadway every Wednesday night for his many friends and patrons.

He enjoyed his many friends, always had a smile for everyone, and will be missed by many.

Donations may be made out to the Diabetes Association.