Frederick Christian Kuech

FREDERICK C. KUECH of Blooming Grove, New York died on the evening of March 19, 2015. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert W. Kuech and Rosemary Fickley Kuech from McMurray, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Peters Township High School in MacMurray, Pennsylvania, Fred enlisted after high school in the U.S. Navy as part of the Attack Squadron 195 (Dambusters) stationed at Lemoore, California. He was an E-5 Senior Aircraft Mechanic aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, and as an aviation special mechanic/hydraulics/and Aviation Structural mechanic, and sent in as one of the best to repair A-7-E aircraft during two campaigns in Vietnam. His commander found his professional performance as unquestionable in every respect. He was always willing to accept any task assigned and needed little supervision for even the most difficult situations, and always did more than what was required. He continued to improve his knowledge of the A7E aircraft and associated systems and had a cheerful and confident manner that was a morale booster. He always gained the respect of his peers and supervisors. His commander said he had the potential to develop into an officer. Fred earned the Vietnam Service Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, and received a Citation from the Commander of the 7th Fleet for his outstanding performance of duty and loyal service to our country. Fred was an avid sports enthusiast and participated in wrestling and football in high school and was a football champion at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Lemoore, California for his superior athletic achievement. After serving in the Navy he entered Pittsburgh Aeronautics Institute and received his A & P License. He began his career as an Aircraft Mechanic with Gulfstream in Savannah, Georgia. Years later, he accepted a position as an aircraft technician and Flight Technician with General Electric at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York. Fred was made Aircraft Maintenance Foreman early in his thirty-two year career with General Electric. He commuted from his home in Poughquag, New York for many years prior to moving to Stormville, New York. He later commuted to Corporate Air Transport/G.E. at Stewart Airport in Newburgh, New York, and traveled the world. Fred served on the Board of Directors for Westchester Aircraft Maintenance Association (WAMA) and also served as President for four years prior to 2000. Fred found love from the first moment, when he met his wife Karen Haberman in 2001 and their love story was 14 years in the making. They moved to Blooming Grove, New York and married in 2003. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Marian Haberman, who resides at their home (since 2011). His daughters, Debbie McMahon (Dave) of Wappinger Falls; Jennifer Smith (Jim) of Stormville, and Brenda Kuech (James) of Hyde Park, New York were proud of their father's many accomplishments and incredible love of life itself. His stepsons, Brian Konash (Annie) of Astoria, NY and Christopher Konash (Lynda) of Mahwah, NJ found a father in Fred like no other. They found him to be a humble, charitable, and an intelligent mentor who would not take credit for his kind deeds. He lived a life full of grace, and had a work ethic beyond compare. Fred has six grandchildren, Megan and Victoria McMahon, and Aubrey, Zach, Fred, and Amber Smith. His nephews, Christopher Kuech of San Diego, Drew Kuech of Hong Kong and Kevin Martin of Hortonville, Wisconsin, and nieces Bryn Sovacool and Kelsi Kuech from San Diego and Seattle; Kristin Mager from S. Fayette, Pa. and Kim Kjelshus from Pittsburgh, Pa. Fred shared a unique and special bond with his siblings and their spouses, Robert Kuech and Gail of Bonsall, Ca.; Karen Kuech Schweitzer and John of Punta Gorda, Florida, and Gregg Kuech and Nikki of Oceanside, Ca. Their childhood was marked with memorable moments that were shared throughout his lifetime, bringing laughter and tears. Their unconditional love was ever present throughout his life. Their STEELER moments were unmatched as any loyal fan could imagine, including attending six Super Bowls in his lifetime. The close relationship he had with his family and friends will be missed and forever remembered. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to: http://giving.columbia.edu/giveonline/Division of Hematology/Oncology/Designation - Lentzsch Research Gift Fund. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 during the hours of 11 AM to 2 PM at Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, Inc. located at 139 Stage Road, Monroe, New York 10950. The family has entrusted Thomas F. Flynn and the staff of Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, Inc., 139 Stage Road, Monroe, New York 10950 with the care and funeral arrangements for Frederick. For directions to the funeral home or to offer an online memorial please visit www.flynnfh.com