obit pg 6 7-25-24
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PUTNAM – Frederick (Fred) Hedenberg, 98, civic pillar of Putnam’s political past, responded to a higher calling on July 2, 2024.
He was born Jan. 18, 1926, the son of the late Hilding and Lillian (Ronstrom) Hedenberg. Fred began his career in service as a shoe-shine boy in New Britain, making his first contribution to the family coffers. His second contribution was to his country, enlisting (at 17) in the Navy Air Command during WWII, stationed in Key West, Floa. There he was known for Hemingway fly-bys and pub spying as well as aircraft maintenance.
The ensuing GI Bill helped Fred further his education and brought him to Rhode Island as a newspaper “press man.” He went on to be a successful editor of the Wickford Standard newspaper. His “people” personality led him to a side-line career in radio as a talk show host for many Rhode Island stations and finally as host on the WINY Radio Talk Show. In addition, he ran a successful promotional products business in Putnam.
Fred’s interview with Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, motivated him to go on to chair the steering committee that established Hospice of Northeast CT and the CT Governors Volunteer Committee. He also worked with the American Red Cross, and received a citation from the town of Putnam for his service during hurricane Hugo providing disaster relief to South Carolina. He served as chair of the Republican Town Committee, board member of the Northeast District Department of Health, Justice of the Peace, actor at the Bradley Theater, Cub Scout leader and girls’ softball coach. The state of CT presented Fred with a citation for serving 20 years as a selectman for the town of Putnam.
While serving as president of the Aspinock Historical Society, Fred coordinated efforts for the renovation of the Cady-Copp Cottage and the establishment of the Gertrude C. Warner Boxcar Children’s Museum.
He will be missed by his wife, Patricia, as well as their son Matthew (Lisa) and daughter, Bethany (Jeffrey) Kreyssig; his son, Richard Hedenberg, (Kate) and grandsons, Kyle, Nathan, Ryan and Danny Kreyssig, granddaughter Amber Bigelow and her mother, Barbara. He was predeceased by his son David and sister Barbara Hedenberg.
Special thanks to Tina and Aaron Kerouack for their love and support during his final days and to Pete and Kathy Lewis for some great fishing trips on the Sound.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 10 at the Living Faith United Methodist Church, 53 Grove St., Putnam. Donations: Aspinock Historical Society for preservation of Cady-Copp Cottage, 200 School St., Putnam, CT 06260; or to Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeast CT., 32 South Main St., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church S., Putnam.
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