Frederick S. Dudash

Cobleskill- Frederick S. Dudash, Sr., 82, of Hillside Avenue, Cobleskill, New York went to his heavenly home following a brief illness on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Robinson Terrace in Stamford, NY, surrounded by family.

Born on October 26, 1941, in Manhattan, NY, he was the son of Frank Dudash, Sr. and Katharine Zelipski-Dudash. He attended The Kings College in New York City. In 1991 Fred and his wife, Dawn retired and moved from their home on Long Island in Syosset, NY to their summer vacation home in Stamford, NY. In 2004, they built a house and moved to Cobleskill, NY near one of his children and their family.

Fred was a member and co-creator of the “Christian Keynotes,” a gospel music traveling group from 1958 to 1963, visiting various churches. Fred served by singing tenor and bass.

Fred was a veteran of the US Army serving during the Vietnam War, where he was trained as a sharpshooter and marksman and specialized in electronic reconnaissance systems during the Vietnam War era.

Fred was a policeman for New York City, retiring in 1979. He served the police force in multiple capacities including being part of the first anti-crime unit, organized crime unit, and undercover narcotics. Fred was a teacher in the New York City Police Academy and specialized in electronics and filming for training in the police department. Following his retirement from NYCPD, Fred went to work for PBS Television, Cablevision, and CBS Television, working specifically for the television program “60 Minutes”. Fred traveled to the Middle East during Desert Storm to oversee the technology and electronics process for CBS Television. He retired from CBS Broadcasting in 1997.

Fred was a natural leader, teacher and lifelong curious learner. He assisted in training people in the Schoharie County area through the Hunter Education Program at the Middleburgh Fish and Game Club, the Drug Prevention and DWI Educational Programs in Cobleskill.

He loved his family and invested a tremendous amount of love and knowledge into them, often challenging them to debate various topics as a sport. He was a colorful person and challenged the status quo. He loved people, sharing police and life experiences. Fred also enjoyed Bible studies, hunting, fishing, trapping, gardening, and tending to his home landscaping with his wife. Fred could repair literally anything and taught each of his children how to “fix stuff” and gave each of them the confidence to think and creatively problem-solve. Fondly referring to his 3 children as "The Happy Crew" and later he referred to his grandchildren in the same loving fashion.

Frederick was married to the love of his life, Dawn E. Benner, on May 7, 1966, at Glad Tidings Tabernacle in Manhattan, NY.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Grace (1970) and Ruth Cohen (2023).

Cherishing his memories are his wife of 58 years, Dawn E. Dudash of Cobleskill, NY; children, Dawnette Piambino (Anthony Marasciulo), Frederick S. Dudash, Jr. (Lisa) of Canton, GA, Darlene Stuart (Jason) of Worcester, NY; grandchildren, James Piambino, Emily Piambino, Elisabeth Higley, Cristiana Dudash, Michael Dudash, Jessica Holscher, Joshua Stuart, Hannah Emhoff, Rebekah Stuart; great-grandchildren, Terran Holscher, Adeline Emhoff, Finneas; brother, Frank Michael Dudash, Sr. (Shirley) of Lynbrook, NY; and his Siamese cat, Bella Rose, whom he affectionately called “Cockroach”.

Burial will take place in Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery later in June of 2024, with a private memorial celebration of life following the interment.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Frederick S. Dudash may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org or to the charity of one's choice.