Obituary of Frederick C. Fink

Niskayuna Fred Fink Beloved son, brother, uncle and dear friend, Frederick C. Fink, 68, of Grassy Key, FL, and Canada Lake, NY, passed away peacefully, July 29 at Kingsway Nursing Center, Schenectady, NY, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Albany, NY on August 18, 1952, he was the son of Ruth and Eugene Fink. Fred was raised in Niskayuna and graduated from Niskayuna High School in 1970. He was co-captain of the football team and played offensive and defensive tackle, winning accolades as a Suburban Council All-Star. Fred later attended Boston University. Fred’s dream was to become a pilot and began his aviation career fueling aircraft at Page Airways at Albany Airport. He then started on the ground floor in 1978 with a new company called Federal Express which became the means to achieve his dream. The company had opened an Albany branch where he loaded packages and fueled their planes. From there he worked as a FedEx ramp agent in Newark, NJ, ultimately transferring to FedEx headquarters in Memphis, TN until his retirement in 2017. By then he had moved into Global Operations as a certified dispatcher. Fred was one of two people that formed FedEx’ significant aircraft charter business, negotiating and facilitating cargo deliveries all over the world. He also received civilian honors from the US Air Force for organizing FedEx’ critical support of Operation Desert Storm. Concurrently, he advanced his pilot experience with commercial and multi-engine ratings, flying jet charters on his own time. Fred’s last career move was into FedEx corporate aviation, where he rose into the ranks and became a senior captain. He flew for years worldwide to every continent except Africa, his dream fulfilled. Fred had a love of people and community. He was a co-founder of the famous Memphis Hogaholics barbeque team, winning competitions all over the South, East Coast, and events as far as Bangkok Thailand. Fred was known to sleep overnight next to the smoker to ensure the pork was cooked to perfection. Fred loved to introduce youth to flying and served as a mentor and instructor, both in Memphis and Marathon. He was an Aviator merit badge instructor for the Boy Scouts as well an active participant in the Young Eagles program for youth 11 – 17 years of age. Fred was vice-president of EAA (Experimental Aviation Association), #1240 of Marathon. He was president of the Marathon Flying Club, Inc. and a Leader for the “Quiet Birdman” aviation organization. Fred was gregarious and well loved. A great storyteller and amazing history buff, people were attracted to his generosity, sense of humor and willingness to go the extra mile. He would step up and take charge of opportunities that came his way. Attention to detail and follow through were key, and he never left a job undone. Fred’s loss will be deeply felt by his family and friends, but we will continue to carry his spirit in our hearts and through our actions. Fred is survived by his mother, Ruth Fink Kerr, Schenectady, NY; brothers Dave (Sue) Fink, Clifton Park, NY, Rick (Kathy) Fink, Prosper, Texas; sister Nancy Myers, Lincoln, NE; stepbrothers Don (Cynde) Kerr, Bay Village, OH, Doug (Joan) Kerr, Saratoga, NY, stepsister Katy (Paul) Gillispie, Dennison, MN, nieces Chrissy Haase, Rotterdam, NY, Jessica (Darin) Blair, Omaha, NE, Renee Myers, Omaha, NE, Nikki Fink, Prosper, TX; nephews Bryan (Katie) Fink, Hanover, MA, Vanya Fink, Prosper, TX, Michael (Sue) Marston, Moraga, CA, Chris Kerr, Saratoga, NY and many great nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Kingsway Nursing Center and Community Hospice for their excellent and loving care of Fred. Calling hours will be held from 5 :00pm to 7:00PM Wednesday August 4th at Jones Funeral 1503 Union Street, Schenectady, NY. Services will be held at 11:00AM Thursday August 5th, Jones Funeral Home, Schenectady, NY. On-line condolences can be made at www.jonesfh.net. In lieu of flowers, Fred’s’ wishes are to have donations made to the Boy Scouts of America www.scouting.org