"Freddie, My big brother you helped us a lot all the time. Especially at our wedding, you were our driver, even with a broken leg. Love and missing you.?? Carol and Bobby"
In loving memory of
Frederick Charles Hommel
August 27, 1929 - November 19, 2020
Frederick Charles Hommel, 91, died Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Legend Oaks Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Kyle, TX.
Born the eldest of five children to Frederick and Carolyn (Henn) Hommel in Richmond Hills, NY, on Aug. 27, 1929, Fred grew up in and around Long Island and upstate New York. In 1948, he married the love of his life, Catherine M "Kay" (Molitor) Hommel, remaining with her for 69 years until her passing in 2017.
Following an enjoyable first job working on the assembly line building airplanes at Republic Aviation and living in Coney Island, NY, he moved back upstate to Catskill, NY, where he found his calling as a salesman. For 30 years, he worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance, where he was recognized as one of the company's most successful agents and one of its first to record more than $1 million in sales. He later worked at Watts Jewelers in Chatham, NY, and RC Lacy Ford and Chapman Motors in Catskill, NY.
A versatile and accomplished musician, he played accordion and sang in a band, the Big Band Sounds of Tommy Gentile, that performed at Catskills resorts throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
He was active as a life member of Catskill Elks Lodge 1341 for more than two decades, lending his unmistakable baritone voice to calling bingo nights, playing organ at ceremonial and dinner events, and later - after growing out his thick white beard - appearing as Santa Claus at Christmas parties.
Kay and Fred had three children: Fred and Debra Hommel of Athens, NY; Carolanne (Hommel) and Richard Arnold, Sr., of Kyle, TX; Richard Hommel of Lenox, MA, as well as six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Franklin and Wilma Hommel of Port St Lucie, FL; Carol (Hommel) and Robert Newkirk of Catskill; Albert Hommel of Port St Lucie, FL; and Kathleen Hommel of Amarillo, TX, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to Hungry for Music, a nonprofit organization that provides musical instruments to underprivileged children around the world. https://hungryformusic.org/make-a-dedication-donation/
Tributes
"Fred will always be remembered for his big smile and jolly laugh. Christmas was always a special time for our family. Our children as well as the parents ,enjoyed the magical evening . The memories will forever be in our hearts. When we hear the jingling of the bells on Christmas Eve , we will know who it is."
"Santa will be forever missed but forever remembered . The spirt of christmas eve will forever live on and be passed down for generations. -knock your socks off with cheek kisses. "