Obituary of Frederick H. Mills

Mr. Frederick H. Mills “Red Fred”, 94 of Auburn, New York passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on September 28, 2023. He was born in Auburn on November 5, 1928, As a young boy growing up during the depression, he sold cookies around his Parker Street neighborhood that his mother baked. He attended St. Mary’s School. While there he climbed the bell tower and also climbed fire escapes and rooftops downtown. He met the love of his life, Rita Laury, while they both worked at Dunn & McCarthy. They were married on October 16, 1948 in St. Alphonsus Church. They raised four children on N. Division Street. While their children were growing up they would go watch the trains go by after Sunday Mass. There were many picnics at Fair Haven, camping trips and yearly visits to Roseland Park. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Fred, knew he always wore red and always had welcoming smile. His other great love was golf. He was a member of Highland Golf Course for many years. He has had three hole-in-ones during his life. Fred also was a big Yankees fan. Fred retired from Red Star Trucking in Auburn where he was employed as a diesel mechanic for 40 years. Fred and Rita enjoyed many years in Florida after retirement. In Florida, Fred appreciated the golf , long walks on the ocean and attending NASCAR races. Fred greatly enjoyed music. “Red Fred” and Rita had the privilege to see many great performers in concert including Benny Goodman and Elton John. He will be greatly missed by his family that survives him, his four children; Dennis Mills (Sue Coleman), Deborah Osborne (John), Donna Brazee, Susan Knapp. Grandchildren; Dawn Jorolemon (Rick), Danielle Calabria (Nick), Dustin Mills, D.J. Mills (Angel), Darcy Mill (Terry), Amber Brazee (Desi Melandez), Scott Brazee (Chelsea), Eric Brazee (Tobiyah Abhaya), George Knapp III (Alyssa), Benjamin Knapp (Danielle). Many wonderful Great Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren. Along with his parents he was predeceased by his wife Rita, his brother Robert and son in-law George Knapp, Jr.. A special thank you to Cathy and Joe Leogrande. Joe took him on and Dad loved it. Also a special thanks to Paul Ruzicka.. You were a great friend walking dad back and forth to church. A special thank you to the staff at Fingers Lakes Center for The Living. We deeply appreciate all the love care you showed our father and family. He will alway be remembered for his warm smile and his offering God’s blessing to everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him. Fred as a long time communicate of St. Mary’s Church, Auburn will have a memorial mass celebrated on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 11 a.m. Interment will be private. In Memory of Fred, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children Research Hospital at Stjude.org. Arrangements are with Farrell’s Funeral Service, Inc., 84 South Street, Auburn, NY