Fred Aleksanis

Fred Aleksanis of Danbury, Connecticut, formerly of Somerset, New Jersey, passed away on Wednesday, February 21st, 2018 at the age of 89. Fred passed peacefully with his loving daughters by his side at the Regional Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Danbury.  Born in New Brunswick, Fred lived in Somerset for 80 years, later moving to Danbury to live with his daughter and her family.

After attending New Brunswick Vocational High School, he served briefly in the US Merchant Marines. Fred enlisted in the US Army in early 1946 - serving in Greater Hesse, Germany. He was attached to the Army Signal Corp where he monitored and repaired the US communication infrastructure. While ensuring security of US lines, he unexpectedly met General Omar Bradley who observed and commended Fred’s attitude towards his work. He briefly worked for the Mengel Box Company in New Brunswick before reenlisting during the Korean War Conflict.  He served stateside at Fort Dix, NJ where he was attached to a medic unit.  After an Honorable Discharge in 1952, he started his own contracting business, “Fred’s Home Improvements”.

Fred built a successful contracting business due to his trustworthiness, fairness, precision and skill.  He was given keys to his customers’ homes, performing home improvement services, even arranging payment plans, as needed, for his loyal clients.  His business grew exponentially as he brought in many skilled carpenters and apprentices who later became lifelong friends.

As a member of the Russian Club in Somerset, he met the love of his life, Mary Donchak, from Montreal, Quebec at a dance.  Fred and Mary married in September, 1956 and were blessed with their two daughters, Diane and Donna. He proudly displayed their names on the hood of his Chevrolet pickup truck.

The family loved visiting relatives in Montreal and attending Polka dances.  He participated in and later sponsored numerous championship bowling teams.  Fred was a true sportsman; he enjoyed hunting and fishing, patiently teaching youngsters the skill of cast and reel.  He was an avid Mets and Jets fan as well as a lifelong gardener.

Fred and Mary’s marriage ended prematurely after Mary lost her five year battle with cancer in 1980.  Fred is predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Aleksanis and by his brothers Paul and Joseph Aleksanis. Family members include his two daughters and sons-in-law, Diane (Thomas Giannotto of Moorseville, NC) and Donna (Ward Strosser of Danbury CT); his sister Helen Stolte of Milltown, NJ and his five grandchildren, Cassandra, Brianna, Stephen, Tara and Anna Rose. 

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, February 24th, 2018 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 149 at 5 Byron Street in Danbury, CT 06811.  A Graveside Prayer Service will be held on Friday, March 2nd, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Chapel of Meditation in Franklin Memorial Park Cemetery at 1800 Route 27, North Brunswick, NJ. Military Honors will immediately follow.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the VFW Post 149 Scholarship Fund at the above address.

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