Obituary of Fred E. Seeley

Fred E. Seeley, age 85, of West Ellicott, formerly of Ripley, died Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at WCA Hospital in Jamestown, NY unexpectedly. Mr. Seeley was born October 7, 1927 in Ripley, NY the son of the late Harley and the late Margaret (Calkins) Seeley. After graduating from high school, Fred served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1945 to 1948 having last served aboard the USS Enterprise. Shortly following his time spent in the service, an Avid dancer, he had been a dance instructor for the Arthur Murray School of Dance in Erie and Westfield where he met and married the love of his life, Winifred A. Delaney on September 28, 1957 in North East, PA. A resident of Ripley most all his life, Fred had been self employed as a fruit/grape farmer and animal farmer and had also owned the original Seeley's Liquor Store in Ripley for many years retiring in 1985. Mr. Seeley was a 50+ year member of the Loyal Order Of Moose Lodge # 118 in Westfield and a former member of Summit Lodge # 219. Fred had his own airplane and had his private pilot's license and enjoyed flying gliders. He was also a lover of animals and raised horses and actually "broke" and trained a wild Mustang at age 70. He could fix almost any tractor and enjoyed tinkering. He loved baking pies for everyone to enjoy. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping and had been a member of the Coachman's Club. He is survived by his wife: Winifred A.(Delaney) Seeley of 55 years, two daughters: Monica (Ronald) Mazany of Ashville, NY, Garland (Charles) McFarland of New Castle, KY and one son: Zande Seeley of Austin, TX; Granddaughter Marisa (Jacob)Colwell of Jacksonville, FL; Grandson Ronson Mazany of Erie, PA; Grandson Jason Leonardi of Dallas, TX; Granddaughter Susannah Leonardi of Bozeman, MT; Grandson Justin (Renee) Leonardi of Warren, OH; Grandson Charles (Samantha) McFarland of Dallas, TX, Granddaughter Tammy McFarland of Newnan, GA and Granddaughter Helena (Steve) Sommers of Fredericksburg, TX; Great Grandchildren: Caleb, Autumn and Samuel Schade of Bozeman, MT and Mason Sommers of Fredericksburg, TX and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his Brother, Lloyd Seeley; Sister, Arlowene May; Sister, Lucile Hubbard; and Sister, Laura Mae Seeley. A private memorial will be held by family at a later date. Memorial cntributions can be made on Fred's behalf to the Ripley Hose Co., 11 South State Street, Ripley, NY 14775. Arrangements have been entrusted with the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton Street, Westfield, NY 14787. Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send the family a message of sympathy.