Frederick L Paige Jr.

Frederick L. Paige Jr, age 64, a lifelong resident of Stratford passed away on February 9th surrounded by family and friends.  He was predeceased by his twin sister, Janice Hopkins. The son of the late Frederick and Gertrude Paige, Fred began his career as a plumber and steam fitter after graduating from Bullard Havens Technical School. As a young man he apprenticed for the CT Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union before starting his own firm servicing commercial, industrial and residential clients in Fairfield, New Haven and Westchester counties but also as far away as Puerto Rico.

He was a friend and mentor to many in the local building trades, continuing to share his encyclopedic knowledge of complex heating and cooling systems with his contemporaries and a loyal group of men he considered brothers long after his physical condition made travel to job sites impossible.  Ever defying the odds, he thrived for thirteen years after receiving a donated kidney from his devoted sister.

Fred operated his business for 45 years with a unique spirit of generosity.  The customer’s need was all that mattered; their ability to pay was inconsequential.  His selfless manner extended to complete strangers as well. While dining at any of his favorite local establishments Fred would often spot a hapless looking patron and quietly pay their check, leaving them to a dignified surprise after his silent exit.  Whether because of this habit or his larger than life personality he was well known by servers, cooks and restaurant owners all across the area.

In his scant free time, Fred was a lifelong Yankees, Giants and Knicks fan celebrating wins and suffering losses with devotion.  He made occasional but memorable pilgrimages to the casinos in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Connecticut with family and friends.  He always enjoyed a well played practical joke which meant that he was constantly on the lookout for a friend returning the favor.

Fred is survived by his beloved daughter Lana and son in law Scott Quincy and grandsons Benjamin & William as well as his sister Patricia and brother in law Robert Ulatowski, all of Monroe.  His constant companions of fifty years and then devoted caregivers, Bennie Jean and Edward Recupero of Stratford were his closest friends.  Along with kindness, they shared their family and their daughters Jennifer and Kimberly and four grandchildren were always there for Uncle Fred.  He is also survived by his brother in law John Hopkins and former wife Janice Correia.

Over the last years of his life, he received excellent care at several local facilities but none more kind than at St. Vincent’s Medical Center where his final days were filled with grace and peace.  There will be no viewing hours and burial will be private.  In the coming weeks, the family will host an informal celebration of his life for friends.

Contributions in Fred’s memory can be made to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation at www.pkdcure.org/ or the New England Organ Bank at neob.org/  To carry on Fred’s legacy, pick up the tab for a stranger at the coffee shop or diner and think kindly of him.

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