IN MEMORIAM: Fred Kurkowski, 85;
Chaired SUNY Education Department
ONEONTA – Frederick F Kurkowski, “Fred”, 85, retired chairman of SUNY Oneonta’s Education Department, passed away on March 1, 2016, at Fox Hospital with his family at his side.
Fred was born on Jan. 19, 1931, in Cooperstown, the son of August and Mary (Burke) Kurkowski.
Fred graduated from Richfield Springs Central School and then entered the Army and was honorably discharged. Fred was an outstanding athlete who played all sports in high school and baseball while in college.
He attended SUNY Oneonta, where he met the love of his life, Hazel Ann Hotaling. Fred swept Hazel off her feet and they eloped on Jan. 7, 1956.
Upon marrying Hazel he found a wonderful family in the Hotalings and they welcomed him as a beloved son. Theirs was a love that endured and grew and they just celebrated their 60th anniversary this past January.
Graduating from Oneonta State with a teaching degree, Fred joined Richfield Springs Central as a teacher and coach. He then became principal in Windsor, and finally returned to Oneonta, where he began his long and fulfilling career at his alma mater. Fred taught in the Education Department for several years while earning his doctorate at SUNY Albany. He then served as chair of the Education Department until his retirement in 1991.
Aside from his work, Fred had many outside interests. He was the founder of the Pee Wee Football Program in Oneonta and served as the commissioner for five years. He served on the Oneonta Parks and Recreation Board for many years and helped implement many youth programs that are still in place today.
He was an avid coin collector, loved to golf and was a member of The Oneonta Country Club for many years.
Upon retirement, Hazel and Fred were fortunate enough to winter in Vero Beach, Florida for 25 years, where they made many lifelong friends. While Fred accomplished much in his lifetime, what brought him the most joy was spending time with his grandchildren and watching them excel in their various activities.
Fred is survived by his wife Hazel of 60 years, son Kevin, (Susan), and grandchildren Kaitlyn, Kyle and Kevers. His daughter Kim, (Kerry), Huffman and grandchildren Alec, Zac and Caden. His daughter Kari Ahlqvist and granddaughter Emily. Daughter Kristie Flynn and grandchildren Liam, Jack and Lily. He is also survived by his sister Margaret of Bowling Green Kentucky and brother Jim, (Barbara), of Richfield Springs and many loving nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will be 4-6 p.m. Friday, March 4, at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta. A time of sharing will follow at 6 pm.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Fred’s memory to Greater Oneonta Football , C/O Jason Neer, 36-38 State Highway 23, West Oneonta, New York, 13861.
