Fred Madeo, a 12-year resident of Ithaca, formerly of Hurleyville, NY, died on March 23, 2013 at the age of 92. The son of Frank and Sylvia Mancuso Madeo, he was born March 14, 1921.
He received his BS and MA degrees from New York University and taught English at Fallsburg Central High School, Fallsburg, NY, where he served as Chairman of the English Department. He enriched the high school dramatics program by challenging students and audiences alike with productions such as The Glass Menagerie, Death of a Salesman, Medea, and Inherit the Wind. In a teaching career spanning more than 30 years, he mentored, inspired, and delighted countless students. In 1975 Fred received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, and retired as Professor Emeritus from Sullivan County Community College in 1983.
During his time in Sullivan County, he served as Board chair of CACHE (Community Action to Help the Economy), a Board member of Fallsburg Central School District, and a play director of the Sullivan County Dramatics Workshop.
In retirement he published a novel, The Shout and the Avalanche, translated Sophocles'Antigone from the original Greek, and also wrote a modern version of that play,D.S. Creon. He wrote poetry, short stories, and essays, and mentored a number of local veterans in a writing project. Ithacans, as well as residents of Sullivan County, are very familiar with Fred's Letters to the Editor, which reflected his life-long commitment to social justice.
A World War II veteran, he was predeceased in 2001 by his beloved wife of 56 years, Mary (Wondrasch). Survivors include a daughter Suzanne (Doug) Thaler of Port Jefferson Station, NY, sons Karl (Linda) Madeo of Ithaca, and Kevin (Betsy) Madeo of Hilton Head, South Carolina; grandsons Christopher (Tara) Witzenburg, Stefan (Elisa) Witzenburg, and Anica (Eric Pinaud) Madeo, and Bo Madeo; seven great-grandchildren; a brother Raymond (Kristi) Madeo of Key West, Florida. ?
There will be a celebration of Fred's life on Sat., April 6, 2013 at 2:00 PM at the Unitarian Church, 306 N. Aurora St., Ithaca, NY. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Peter J. DeMotte Catholic Worker House, 411 S. Plain St., Ithaca, NY, or a charity of one's choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Fred Madeo, please visit our flower store.