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Herbert DeFrees Obituary
Since Bernice's death in 2011, Herbert resided at Clare Bridge in Fayetteville, where staff and residents loved him for his sweet and easy-going personality and where his devoted family spent many hours visiting with him in the rocking chairs in his room. His five children were constantly by his side during a recent stay at the hospital. On his way into surgery, he said, "I've done everything I wanted to do in this world."
Herbert is survived by his children: Douglas (Diane) of San Jose, California; Daniel (Lori) of Chittenango, Deanna (William) of Fairport, Debora of Kirkville, and Dena (Peter) Beratta of Marcellus. He will be missed by his grandchildren: Caleb (Karley), Molley, Kelley (Trevor), Nicolas, Jacob (Elaynee), Caryn, Sophia, Juliana, and Benjamin, and by great-grandson, Hunter. His siblings, Donald, Kenneth, Beverly, and Peggy predeceased him.
Friends may call at the G. F. Zimmer Funeral Home, 702 Legion Drive, Chittenango, on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 on Saturday morning at G. F. Zimmer, with interment immediately following at Oakwood Cemetery.
Donations in Herb's memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association of CNY.
G
.F. ZIMMER F.H.CHITTENANGO 687-3366
Date of Death: May 5, 2014
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Herbert DeFrees
May 9, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of the death of Herb. I met him as one of the "talking book guys" with the Telephone Pioneers. He was very dedicated to his Tuesday morning work and often came up with new ideas for repairs.
I applaud his years of service with the Army.
I feel fortunate to have known Herb and enjoyed his sense of humor.
My sympathies, April Schad, Past President Iroquois Club/Council Pioneers
Ann Ferro
May 9, 2014
Dena,
You have made your parents proud. Your Dad smiles at his accomplishments.. beautiful children and grandchildren making the world a better place.
WD
May 8, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to the family. May your memories of him always bring you comfort. God is a refuge and strength - Psalms46
mike kirwan
May 7, 2014
What a wonderful man.
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Stephanie DeFrees Froehlich
May 7, 2014
Dear Doug, Dan, Deanna, Dena, and Deborah,
I am sorry to hear about your dads passing earlier this week. I am glad he is no longer suffering from earthly ailments and is reunited with your mother. May God give you all abundant peace as your mourn his earthly loss.
Cindy Bernardelli Jarvis
May 7, 2014
Debbie, Dena,Deanna,Dan,Doug and your families, my most sincere sympathy in the loss of your Dad and grandfather. I know you all have wonderful memories of your parents. They will always be in your hearts.Wish I could be with you at this time. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers always.
Love to all of you Cindy (and Ted)
John & June Schaub
May 7, 2014
Our condolances to the DeFrees family. Kenny DeFrees married my mom's sister Eleanor Vanden Heuvel in 1952 so I remember the family very well. My dad, Don Schaub, worked for NY Telephone in Oneida for 38 yrs. It sounds like Herb was such a wonderful man and will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. They don't make guys like that anymore. May he rest in peace with your mother.
Liss Miller
May 7, 2014
Jake so sorry to read of your grandfather passing. He was funny when he came to the doctors office he would like to talk about his cigarettes.
Jim McKeever
May 7, 2014
My condolences to you and your family, Dan.
May 7, 2014
Doug, Dan, Deanna, Debbie & Dena:
May your mom and dad be reuniting right now and are happy again together. Remember all the wonderful memories. It was great growing up next to your parents. They were great neighbors.
JoAnn Mosley Thornton
Dan and Carolyn Bross
May 7, 2014
We are very sorry to hear of your father, grandfather, and close friends passing. His warm smiles and waves will be missed. We will continue to pray for all of you in the upcoming days and hope all of your memories of loving, happy times give you peace and leave a smile in your heart.
Patricia Berkey
May 7, 2014
Doug, Deanna, Dan, Debbie, and Dena just know I love you all so very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you all:
Please keep in touch....
Love, Pat (xxoo)
Laura & Bob Ezzo
May 7, 2014
Our "thoughts and prayers" are with you all:
This is a poem that we thought "you" would enjoy.
Remember Me:
Remember me when flowers bloom, early in the spring...
Remember me on sunny days in the fun that summer brings...
Remember me in the fall as you walk through leaves of gold
Remember me in the wintertime in the stories that are told...
But most of all remember each day right from the start. As "I" will be forever near, for "I" live within "your heart:"
Mary O'Neill
May 7, 2014
Herbie is greatly missed by his Clare Bridge family. We are grateful for the time we shared with him. It was a privilege caring for such a kind and gentle man.
Kati Parker
May 7, 2014
Debbie and family, so sorry for the loss of your dad...you have been great, loving children all the way to the end....God Bless!
Jennifer Cass
May 7, 2014
So many vivid memories of your father and mother come to mind. We spent many many hours together inside 206 Hills Street, in the back yard, and eating those warm chocolate chip cookies that Bernie always had in the oven! The comfort now is knowing that they are together again....holding hands and smiling at each other. Love you all and wrapping hugs around the family.
Kevin Hamilton
May 7, 2014
Thank you for sharing his life story. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Kevin, Kim and Finn Hamilton
Mary Stevens
May 7, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you as you mourn the passing of your beloved father and grandfather. May you find comfort in all of the beautiful memories that you shared and in knowing that your father had "accomplished all he wanted to in this world". What a life well lived! May the love of family and friends continue to uplift you and sustain you in the days ahead.
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