Frederick (Fred) Frances Keesler, 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Ponte Vedra, FL on March 23, 2025.
Fred was born on January 27, 1947 in Verplanck, NY to Stella (Lamb) and George Keesler. He attended Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose, NY, leaving in 1963 to work for the FDR Veterans Hospital in Montrose, NY.
Fred worked in multiple positions and received numerous awards, including one for saving the life of a drowning patient in the Hudson River. He retired as a sewer plant operator after 35 years in 1998. Fred was also a proud life member of the Verplanck, NY Volunteer Fire Department.
Fred loved being in the outdoors along with hunting, fishing and gardening. He enjoyed trips to Maine but was most content along the Hudson River. He also enjoyed wood working projects and doing things around the house.
Fred met his beloved wife Margaret (Peggy) while asking for directions in the Spring of 1966. They married on March 14, 1970, having recently celebrated 55 years together. In addition to Peggy, he is survived by his daughter Kathy McGuire (Jim); granddaughters, Marissa and Kasey; brother, Thomas Keesler (Patrice); sisters: Carol Conklin, Joan Yetman and Barbara Otero; brother-in-law, John Levis (Lourdes); and numerous nieces and nephews. Fred was predeceased by his parents; brothers: George, Charles, Leonard, Richard and James; as well as his nephews, Jeffrey Keesler and grand-nephew, Jake Arcara.
A visitation will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, at Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home, immediately followed by Fred's celebration of life at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "Tunnel to Towers Foundation" and the "Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY)".
