Frederick "Freddy” F. Ives

Frederick "Freddy" F. Ives, age 73, of Salisbury Center, New York, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully early Friday morning, October 16, 2020, in his sleep and in the comfort of his home.

 He was born on September 4, 1947 in Little Falls, New York and was the son of the late, Charles and Dorothy (Volk) Ives. Fred grew up on his family's dairy farm in Salisbury Center. Fred was educated at a one room school house in Salisbury, then attended Dolgeville Central School and graduated with the Class of 1965.  

 On May 1, 1968, Fred enlisted in the United States Army.  He arrived in Vietnam on October 5, 1968 and was wounded on August 15, 1969.  While serving his country, Fred earned the following awards for his heroic efforts; Vietnam Combat Certificate-First Calvary Division, Air Medal, Army Commendation with "V" Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart For Wounds Received in Action, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 1960, and Sharpshooter Rifle. On April 30, 1970, Fred was honorably discharged from the United States Army. For the following 10 years, he continued to serve his country with the United States Army Reserves.

 Fred was married to the former, Marjorie Tucker for 26 years until she passed away in 2001.  On May 22, 2004, Fred was united in marriage to Betty Lou (Currie) Hollingsworth.  The couple shared 17 married years and 19 years together in a caring and loving marriage.

 After his discharge from the military, Fred was a tractor trailer driving instructor for Empire Driving School through the 1970's. He then worked for Remington Arms, 17 years for Mohawk Metals in Utica, New York, then Herkimer County Road Commissioner, and lastly his employment with Lowes as heavy equipment operator where he finally retired, only to be working with his love of farming.

 Fred was a devoted member of the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department since 1964, (Fred's father, Charles Ives was a founding member of the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department in 1942) and Fred himself was a former President of the Herkimer County Fireman Chief's Association.  Farming was Fred's passion from a young age where he learned from his family farm and continued into his older years with the Spofford Farm in Salisbury, New York.  Just last week, Fred was enjoying driving a tractor with his friend, Craig on the farm.  He was an animal lover and was a member of Pause 4 All Paws Animal Rescue where he enjoyed participating in parades and fostering animals with his wife, Betty Lou. 

 His most precious time was spent in the company of his beloved family, extended family at the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department and his friends.  Fred was a kind and compassionate man and a giver of his time to anyone who needed a helping hand.  A loving husband, father, grandfather who was affectionately known as Papa, great-grandfather and friend, he will be sorely missed by his family, friends and fire department.

 Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Lou Ives at home; his children, Marcia Bruce and her husband, Ben of Dolgeville, NY, Jeremiah Thomas and his wife, Tiffany of Clymer, NY, Shallon Boyer of Dolgeville, NY, his son in law, Shawn Boyer of Salisbury, NY, Laureen Tupper of Curtis, Town of Salisbury, NY, and Georgette Tucker of Rochester, NY; special grandchildren, Michelle Williams, McKayla Miller, Morgan Kamp, Brayden Kamp, Jayden Kamp, Brianna Bruce, Jorden Bruce, Cody Thomas, Reilly Nearey, Kadience Thomas, Brianna Thomas, Cameron Shreve, Gavin Shreve, Noah Thomas, Gabriel Thomas, Winter Thomas, Zechariah Boyer, Kenny Boyer, Kyle Boyer, Faith Boyer, Novalee Tupper, a soon to be born grandson, Lorenzo Jaquay, Michael Baker and Tazran Lilley; special great-grandchildren, Camryn Miller, Kevin Stumpf, Braxton Thomas, Landon Miller, Penelope Stumpf, Arabella Thomas and Levi Miller; a mother in law, Rusti Kelsey of Alaska; several brothers and sisters in law; and special friends Craig and Stephanie Spofford, Dick and Deb Nichols, and Harold and Linda Guile.

 He was predeceased by his parents, former wife, Marjorie Ives, a sister, Cheryl Darling, a daughter, Michele Morgan, a son, Kenneth Ralston, a son-in-law, Christopher Tupper and two beloved aunts, Helen Ives and Cornelia Howard.

 Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329 where members of the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department will stand guard. During calling hours, at 6:30 p.m., the fire department will hold their Last Alarm Ceremony.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 11 a.m. also at the funeral home with Pastor Alan Miller. Procession will follow to Salisbury Rural Cemetery where the United States Army Honor Guard will accord military funeral honors. Fred will be laid to rest with his family.  All are welcome to attend calling hours and funeral services and we ask that you wear a mask as well as practice social distancing procedures.

 The Ives Family would like to thank the members of the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department and the EMS First Responders for their professional and compassionate care for Fred and his family during their time of need.

 In lieu of floral offerings for Fred, please consider memorial contributions for the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department, 2549 State Route 29, Salisbury Center, New York 13454 or Pause 4 All Paws Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 846, Little Falls, New York 13365.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Ives Family, please sign the online guest book. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frederick "Freddy” F. Ives, please visit our floral store.