Frederick Warnken, Jr.

Frederick, Fred, Warnken Jr was born on November 25, 1944 in the Bronx to Friederich Sr. and Dina (Muller) Warnken. He was the youngest of the three Warnken boys living on Neill Avenue joining older brothers Walter and Wilfred (Willy). On October 1, 2026 Fred passed away at his home.

While attending school as a young boy in both the Bronx and Queens, Fred had many jobs typical of a teen in his era. His proudest jobs were that of being a bicycle paper boy for the NY Post and a floral deliverer. He once delivered an arrangement of flowers to the Waldorf Astoria and was surprised by the hotel door being opened by J Edgar Hoover.

Following in his older brother Willy's footsteps, Fred attended and graduated from Aviation High School in Long Island City in 1962. His post high school years included working in a lamp and shade factory and for an aviation company. In 1966 Fred chose to enlist in the US Navy and became a member of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCBs) or Seabees. Fred proudly served one tour in Vietnam in 1967. The Seabees "Can Do" impact would be evident for the rest of Fred's life. Upon his return in 1968 Fred would later begin his sheet metal career as a journeyman with Sheet Metal Local 38 in Brewster, NY.

Before deploying overseas Fred met Patricia, Pat, Bonaventura, also of the Bronx. Their relationship was maintained during his deployment and in 1968 on the second of September they were married at Saint Philip and James in Bronx, NY. They would miss their 55th wedding anniversary by just four months, on May 3, 2023 Pat passed away.

In 1971, Fred and Pat would move into their home in Hopewell Junction where they would remain for the rest of their lives. It is there they would raise their two daughters Dina and Danielle.

On September 1st, 2004 Fred would retire from his sheet metal career, although he would continue to tinker with many things, metal and alike. His union time would take him across the tristate area where he would often proudly share his professional contributions to the metal work in places like Titusville Intermediate School, the Rhinebeck Post Office, the Statue of Liberty and lastly before retiring the Fisher Center at Bard College.

In his free time he thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and would often be involved in grafting and planting trees around his yard, or watching wildlife and collecting wildlife art. At a waterfowl festival in Maryland, he would encounter then Vice President Dick Cheney interested in the same wooden decoy duck artist. His love for Vermont and Maine, especially in the summer and fall, are where he took many trips in his beloved motorhome with his family. Shopping for clothes, shoes and accessories was another favorite past time of his, especially if it was made in America and made to meet his high standards. Fred was also a huge lover of all things jazz music as well as the weekend Polish radio station out of Vassar College, sometimes to the dismay of his family on those early Saturday mornings.

Fred would pass along his love of the outdoors to his grandchildren. There were many adventures Hayden, Logan, Addie and Gavin would experience with him, their G-Pa. Basketball games, table tennis, going to the beach, kite flying and going out for ice cream were some of the best shared moments. He was also the best cheerleader at any of the grandkids' sports events. Fred's love of Mohegan Sun in Connecticut was another favorite place to visit with his family.

Although he was a private person, he could spark a conversation with anyone and about anything. He had no reserves about giving you his time. As you would get to hear about his life experiences, lectures on just about any topic as well as get a good laugh, you would be in for quite a lengthy visit, because he was never in a rush to skip time. And over time he gained affectionate nicknames like Farganus, Fozzy, Foghorn, and Freddie Boy.

In the last few years, Fred privately fought Stage Four Melanoma. He faithfully visited the Dyson Center and was always one to have a kind word for the staff or words of encouragement for a fellow patient. Fred's family would like to especially thank Dr. Rachamalla and her staff for their exceptional care of him.

Fred leaves behind his two daughters, son-in-law Mark Kolachik, his grandchildren and brother Wilfred. In addition, his sister-in law Carol Logue; and his three nephews, Jim and John Kalinowski and Steven Oram.

Fred was predeceased by his parents, his brother Walter and his faithful wife Pat as well as his in-laws Pasquale and Anna (Cannella) Bonaventura.

The family requests that donations be considered and be made to Ducks Unlimited or a veteran's group of their choosing in Fred's honor and memory.

The family plans to honor him at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc. Please visit Frederick's tribute page at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.