Frederic C. Washburn

In Loving Memory of Frederic C. Washburn A strong and gentle man to the last, Frederic Calvin Washburn passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, at the age of 95. Fred was most proud of his family and left an indelible mark on each of them simply by how he lived his life. He instilled in his children and grandchildren the competitive "Washburn Spirit," the beauty of simple living, a fierce love for family first, and the courage to always be true to oneself. Boyhood and Youth in the Tonawanda’s Growing up in North Tonawanda, Fred was a proud member of the "Backwoods Gang." He spent his youth roaming the Tonawandas in the 1930’s and 40’s —jumping off the swing bridge, cleverly conning his way into the Sea Scouts earlier than allowed, and sneaking into local pool halls to earn petty cash by playing the locals. He was fiercely protective of his mother, Grace, who worked tirelessly as a single parent to support him and his brother, John Washburn. Throughout his youth, he deeply revered the "Beltz women"—the four strong German sisters who anchored their family. Fred attended Felton Grammar School and later North Tonawanda High School (NTHS), where he swam varsity and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Throughout his life, Fred lived faithfully by the Scout Oath, maintaining a strong moral compass and a compassionate Christian faith that never wavered. Higher Education, Athletics, and Military Service While excelling in his studies at SUNY Buffalo, Fred also became a New York State champion fencer, beginning a lifetime competitive membership with USA Fencing. During this time, he made his first major purchase: a 1946 Indian Chief motorcycle – writing letters about his adventurous rides to his brother studying down south. He went on to earn his J.D. from the University of Buffalo Law School in June 1953. Soon after, duty called. Fred served his country in the U.S. Army from late 1953 to 1955 and was an M-1 sharpshooter. Characteristically, he chose to share only the humorous stories of his service—recounting arduous marching in the heat, terrible butterscotch pudding, and playing cutthroat hearts in the barracks with his fellow soldiers. Following his honorable discharge, Fred returned home to North Tonawanda to practice law under Henry P. Smith. A Fairytale Romance and New Beginnings It was at the law office that Fred met Myrna, who worked as an assistant to the bank president on the floor directly below him. Fred was single-minded in his quest to win her over, constantly finding excuses to "go to the first floor to file paperwork" until he ultimately wooed his way into her heart. Evidence of his romantic prowess remains preserved in family scrapbooks filled with his love poems and letters. The couple dated for four inseparable years, spending days at Sunset Bay and Nickel Beach, driving around in her Ford convertible or "Dad’s ole Dad Jim Rogers’ mini roadster," and skiing the hills of Swain, the Buffalo Ski Club, and Chalet Cochand in Quebec. Bucking tradition, they married on a Thursday in December just to extend their honeymoon—spending two weeks on the white sands of Florida and another two weeks skiing at Mount Tremblant. Professional Life, Family, and Community Their newlywed years were filled with building Fred's legal practice and contributing heavily to their community. Fred and Myrna were active members of First Presbyterian Church in Tonawanda, and later, North Presbyterian Church in North Tonawanda. Fred served his community and made lasting friendships through his good works with the Exchange Club, the Elks, the American Legion, and the Eldridge Club, while also remaining active in Academe and their local bridge club. He worked tirelessly for his clients and was highly respected as an honorable, fair, and dedicated attorney who always went the extra mile. In January 1962, as soon as Fred finished his active reserve duty, they welcomed their firstborn son, Frederic John. Shortly after, they moved into their 800-square-foot house on Master Street, where Fred hand-built the interior while Myrna’s father planted the surrounding garden. Frederic John was followed two years later by Leslie Ann. When Douglas Michael arrived to complete the family, they built their permanent, two-story home a few blocks away and swapped out their tiny VW bug for a more practical and iconic Ford woody. Family Traditions, Retirement and Grandparenthood The next few decades were a beautiful whirlwind. Fred built a wonderful, supportive home, and his love was completely unconditional. He and Myrna made lasting memories on fun-filled family road trips to Long Beach, Myrtle Beach, and Sparrow Lake. They also continued their skiing traditions with their kids at Glenwood Acres and Buffalo Ski Club. Fred supported his children as they grew into adults – cheering them on as they finished college, embarked on careers, and bought their first homes. He traveled extensively with Myrna, was an active skier, badminton, and pickleball player, and earned medals over many years in the State and National Senior Games. He joyfully danced at his sons’ weddings, warmly welcoming Mary and Stacey into the family. Fred adored his two grandsons, Freddie and Andrew, and his two granddaughters, Alyson and Casey. Last year, he was blessed to welcome his first great-granddaughter, Maya. His grandchildren brought him immense joy throughout his working and retirement years, providing endless opportunities to tell stories, play family games, and make memories together at the family cottage. Music, Cards, and Legacy Fred will forever be remembered for his appreciation of jazz and big band orchestra music, nightly piano playing before bedtime, an unwavering sense of fair play, his no-nonsense work ethic, and his love for a good game of cards. He loved playing cards —except, perhaps, when Myrna talked too much during play or tried to "shoot the moon." He successfully beat his children and grandchildren in cribbage every year for decades, making sure everyone knew how to count properly and pay off their dollar debts immediately (except for Doug, whom the family suspects still owes him a sizable amount—one of Fred's many quiet gifts to his youngest). Fred bestowed unique, lasting gifts upon each of his children. To his firstborn, Fred, he passed down his steadfast dedication to family, his sharp intellect, and an ethos of “treat others as you’d like to be treated.” To Leslie, he gifted a lifelong love of the water and sailing, along with the unshakeable belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to. And to Doug, he bestowed his strength for family, an unwavering honesty and commitment to clients, and the rare ability to remain calm and grounded no matter what life brings. Survivors and Predeceased Fred is survived by his exceptionally patient and loving wife, Myrna, who was by his side from the age of seventeen; his eldest son Fred (Mary Szczerbinski), their sons Dr. Freddie Washburn (Dr. Varsha Prasad)—parents to new baby Maya; and Andrew Michael Washburn, Esq., who proudly followed in his grandfather's footsteps to become an attorney. His only daughter Leslie, and his youngest son Doug (Stacey Corigliano) and their daughters Alyson and Casey. He was preceded in death by his mother, Grace; his elder brother, John Roger and his wife Jan; and his aunts: Laura Goodin, Edna Landers, and Marguerite Smith. Gratitude and Remembrances The family extends their tremendous and heartfelt thanks to the truly exceptional caregiving team who provided far more than just nursing care. They ensured a peaceful, compassionate, and dignified environment for Fred during his final years, becoming true and trusted friends. Words cannot express the family’s gratitude for their love. A special note of thanks also goes out to the wonderful friends and neighbors who meant so much over the years, and to their children and families who still keep in touch. Fred always knew how blessed he was to have so many good people around him. We would be pleased if you would share your favorite Fred story or recount how you first met on this memorial site. Cards, pictures or letters can be sent to Myrna in care of Wattengel Funeral Home on Meadow Drive. A celebration of life may be held at a future date and will be announced should it occur. Memorial donations in Fred’s name may be made to your favorite charity, to Niagara Hospice, or to the Buffalo VA of Western NY, whose dedicated care and support allowed Fred to live comfortably in his own home. Alternatively, donations may be made to your favorite local watering hole, where you are encouraged to raise a glass and tell a few stories in honor of a truly great gentleman: Frederic Calvin Washburn.

Frederic C. Washburn

July 12, 1930 - May 20, 2026