- Welcome to Sweeney and Beverly Life Celebration Services, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Frederick V. McQuade
Delanco lost a beloved member of its community, Frederick McQuade, a true pillar of the town. Born in Gloucester County and raised in Delanco, Fred dedicated his life to serving and supporting those around him, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him.
Fred, as he was affectionately known, was a man with a heart as big as his hometown. A Delanco resident for 75 years, he embodied the spirit of the community, always ready to lend a helping hand, especially when it came to fixing heaters for those in need. He was employed by PSE&G for 41 years and was a jack of all trades.
A graduate of Palmyra High School, Fred was a pioneer in the Washington Fire Company of Delanco. He served as a member for a total of 51 years including time as a Commissioner for an impressive 35 years. Fred was also the first search and rescue scuba diver for Delanco, showcasing his courage and commitment to the safety of his community.
One of Fred’s greatest joys in life was spending time with his family on his beloved 21ft sailboat. His passion for sailing was evident as he undertook the remarkable journey from Delanco to Sea Isle in just 2 days and 2 hours. The open water was his sanctuary, a place where he reveled in the joy of family trips, jet skiing, and water skiing.
Fred’s interests were diverse, from enjoying TV shows like “Homestead Rescue”and “This Old House” to the comedic charm of “Young Sheldon.” While he might not have been a master chef, Fred had a soft spot for spaghetti and loved sharing meals with his family, particularly his cherished Tuesday night dinners with his grandchildren.
For over 50 years, Fred brought joy to the Riverside/Delanco area as “Santa Fred” during the holiday season. His commitment to staying in character and engaging with children made him a beloved figure in the community.
He met the love of his life Patricia, which began with a chance meeting through a bowling league, was a testament to his enduring commitment to family and love.
Fred is survived by his children, Fred (Eleanor) and Denise Wolf, along with grandchildren Freddie, Rebecca, and Meagan. He is preceded in death by his sister, Phyllis Lemasters, son-in-law Frank Joseph Wolf, Jr. and life long friend, Ed McFadden. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Come celebrate 84 years on Saturday (December 30, 2023) 8am-10am at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside, where there will be a 10:30 am service. Interment Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The American Heart Association or a charity of your choosing.
6 Comments
Always Santa to my kids even after they were old enough to know better. He will be missed.
Denise, I am so so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I just loved spending time with him at Santa Gathering! I always learned from him every time we sat together at dinner. He sure was a special guy. We can all aspire to be the person he was; he’ll be greatly missed. Linda & Rich
my sympathy to the family. I just saw this on FB Saturday night or I would have attended. I was just talking about him literally minutes before I saw his obituary. my son in law was playing Santa for a friend’s daughter. I told him about the best Santa ever. my thoughts and prayers to all.
I just heard of Fred’s passing. I worked with Fred for many years at PSE&G. I learned many things from Fred. A couple times he had my kids on his lap as Santa and they came back as believers! He was a great guy with a great heart. He will be missed.
Fred was a “oner”. He graced our lovely town for 75 years touching many lives, young and old. I first met him as I was researching the history of the historic steam sawmill and boatyard in Delanco, which were on his property at Poplar Street Wharf. Fred gave me a tour that was rich in detail. He made me feel as if these historic industries were still there. He reveled in the Christmas spirit and drew much of his energy from the holiday. He is already greatly missed.
Rest In Peace UNCLE SANTA FRED
I will always remember it started back in “1980” . I was welcomed into your family and ever since you were my one and only Uncle.
I will cherish my memories for life.
My children and grandchildren will be so honored to tell people they met the Real Santa.
I will never forget our Thursday’s
once a month I spent with yourself and wonderful Aunt Pat.
Driving around town and learning all about different places. We started the morning off with breakfast then onto Columbus Mart we went. After that we had lunch and did some more driving around town. We stopped to see the farm and watched the cows that gave us delicious milk then went on to get some fresh pasta.
The night ended with dinner then off I had to go because my husband worked his whole day and I needed to go to make his fresh pasta dinner.
I could go on and on forever, but it is with my broken heart that I will end this with the wonderful memories of the man with the biggest heart that I will always remember the night I made dinner for my husband Jim and uncle Fred. I drove him home we sat on the porch on his swing watching the water and reminiscing memories.
It was December 27, 2023 that we were to have lunch together with Denise and Reenie. Sadly to say you were taken from us to soon and I didn’t get the chance to thank you for my Christmas present from you & Denise. We knew you wanted us still to go and we did. So I will take this time to thank you for my beautiful present I will cherish forever.
XXOO I LOVE YOU AND WILL END THIS WITH NIGHTY NIGHTY NOW….