Diana Strayer (Sample)

Frederick Zuke, a lifelong resident of Hastings-on-Hudson, died at home on January 17, 2008. He was 59 years old. Born in Dobbs Ferry on July 30, 1948, he was the son of the late Frederick and Lydia Zuke. He was a graduate of Hastings High School and attended the State University of New York at Oswego. Mr. Zuke worked for many years as a cook at both The Andrus Home and St. John's Hospital. He enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors and gardening with his family. He will be dearly missed by his friends at The Loft and by his family. Survivors include his brother Gregory (Frances) Zuke, his nephew Will (Kristen) Zuke, and his grandniece Alana. Funeral arrangements will be private and at the convenience of the family. 

You'd have thought he was shy and a real loner, but Fred was bright, witty, political and delightfully sarcastic sometimes. He didn't smile much, but when he did, it lit up the room. He was one of those people you had to try hard to get to know, and I wish I'd tried harder than I did. So many times, particularly when we're in high school, we're too self-centered to dig below the surface. I was sorry to hear of his passing. 

Laurie Bean (Ross)

Thanks Diana -- you are so right about high schoolers being self-centered. It's embarrassing, really...to realize how much I didn't see and appreciate in others

Mary Beth Koslap (-Petraco)

I had several classes with Fred and also lived not far from him. I always found him to be a very kind hearted person who always had time to speak with me.  He was smart and a real thinker. Margaret Ann Hanak and I often would pass him on the walk home. He always said hello and smiled. 

Gail Wright

I remember Fred...he was soft spoken and kind; once you got to know him he was funny and intelligent but he never wanted to stand out in a situation.    Diana and Laurie, I agree completely about our high school selves being self absorbed and at times not very nice.  Reading these posts, especially the memorials, I'm struck by the loss of people who I think I would have  liked (and I hope they would like me) if we  were to meet now.  I wish we could have been as wise when we were young as years and experience have apparently made us.  

Jack Deragopian

Fred was a gentle giant, we had some very interesting conversations . To often in life people are judged by there cover rather than from what they are from within . The are socially not welcomed or accepted from as they say the click. Unfortunately as in HS some people take a long time or never understand what is really important in life . Fred was an intelligent , witty , kind , gentle giant .  Rest in peace Fred .   JDD

Mary Ann Zahurak (Hogan)

Tom Livingston

Fred Zuke had a wicked sense of humor.  In several classes we shared, he and I would sit near each other and egg each other on with sarcastic asides pertaining to what was being taught us.  (It is a wonder I passed anything.)  Fred's humor was of the sardonic variety, bad-ass and to the point.  I learned much just laughing at his comments, trying to keep up.  One hell of a guy.