Fred H. Nemeth died peacefully March 30 after 88 years of a life fully lived. Fred was born June 17, 1930 in the Ironbound section of Newark to Stephan and Johanna Nemeth and is predeceased by his wife of over 50 years, Irene (Barany). He is the last of his generation, which included nine older siblings: Johanna, Steve, Joe, John, Tess (Skuback), Frank, Ed, Marie and Anton.
Fred and Irene began their married years in Irvington. They moved in 1959 to Hazlet, buying their first and only home in which they lived while raising their family, each residing there until the end.
He lived a life of commitment and passion. His two tours in the Air Force, decades of volunteering as a member and officer of the Hazlet First Aid Squad, profession as the Assistant Regional Director with OSHA, and passion for food, gardening, art and politics, provided for enthusiastic stories and lessons he would share with one and all.
Most of all, Fred will be remembered for his caring nature, generosity, sense of humor and ease of making friends. In his last decade, it was indeed these friends who made it possible for him to stay at home and live a rich life. His close friends John and Bobby for years provided countless hours of companionship and care which he deeply treasured. Kelly, Betty, Wayne, Debbie, Chip, Father Francis and Dr. Nasra all regularly brightened his days.
Dad to Karen (Bowe), Ken, and Donna (Mazza); supportive father-in-law to Rick, Nina, Tom and Pete; Poppy to his grandchildren, Katryn, Cassie and Justine Bowe, Carly Nemeth, Nick and Rachel Mazza; Uncle Fred to his many nieces, nephews, godchildren and others; dedicated neighbor and a good friend to many, he will be much missed but always remembered.
Visitation was held April 4 at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. A Funeral Liturgy was offered April 5 at Holy Family Church, Union Beach. Burial followed at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in Fred’s name to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o Holy Family Parish, 727 NJ-36, Union Beach, NJ 07735 or to Hazlet Township First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 162, Hazlet, NJ 07730.
For more information, to send condolences or for directions, please visit pflegerfuneralhome.com.
