Fred Ross Shank III

Fred Shank never shied away from the treasure of living life fully.

Every day was a new challenge, a new project to complete, a chance to laugh with friends over martinis, an opportunity to catch a University of Kentucky game, or an excuse to host an impromptu dinner party, where, of course, there would be a heated debate about politics and pop culture.

Fred loved fiercely and lived fully. Chris, his husband for 14 years but together for 24, along with their 11-year-old son Aidan and their dog Hamilton, were his world. His mother, Peggy, his sister Ginny Conner, her husband Ed, and their daughters Alison and Lauren were constants in his life. Fred’s crew, which he called his “Framily” (friends + family), were always there in person or on the phone. The love, joy, and attention Fred received beautifully matched the “do it all” life he created. A life that, over the last three years, he had been forced to share with ALS.

On Friday, June 13th, 2025, Fred lost his battle with this debilitating monster of a disease. Although they understood the nature of this incurable disease is, his death still came as a shock to his loved ones. Just four years ago, Fred was in, as he called it, “the height of my fitness strength.” He played tennis regularly, excelled at Orange Theory, and walked miles every day.

Though devastated by his ALS diagnosis in 2022, Fred made it clear that he would make this horrific disease the focus of his attention. In social media posts, he documented his medical journey—from the medications he was taking, to the pain he was enduring, to the hope he was holding onto.

Last fall, in honor of his 50th birthday, he invited more than 100 friends to his home for a college tailgate-themed fundraiser for ALS research. Perched in his wheelchair in his backyard in Maryland, with a cocktail and a plate of pimento cheese sandwiches in hand, he laughed and smiled for selfies. At the party, he reminisced about his childhood spent visiting his family’s farm in the Shenandoah Valley, his fraternity days at the University of Kentucky, and his years living in New York City and Seattle. Friends from across the country flew in for the party—friends from jobs in public relations at Whole Foods, Edelman, and Porter Novelli. Though weary and in pain from the disease, Fred shut the party down late at night, ensuring that he celebrated to the fullest, just as he lived his life.

Details for a celebration of Fred and his life are still being worked out. Family and friends put together a fund, at Aidan’s request, to support I AM ALS, an organization that will continue the advocacy and research needed to end this disease. In lieu of anything else, please support Aidan’s effort generously at https://iamals.donordrive.com/campaign/In-Memory-of-Fred-Shank

Please, our one request after you read this, share your fondest stories about Fred. Keep a place in your heart for Chris and Aidan. Please remember our friend with laughter, love, warmth, and a maybe hint of snark because that’s how Fred lived his life.