Arther H. Frederick

October 8, 1934 – November 16, 2024

Arther H. Frederick, 90, of Sugar Hill, GA, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024. Born in Albany, NY, on October 8, 1934, to Albert C. and Valeria P. Frederick (née Hieby), Art lived a vibrant and meaningful life filled with love, service, and passion.

Art graduated from the Milne School in Albany in 1952 and earned a degree in Economics from Cornell University in 1956. At Cornell, he immersed himself in campus life as a member of the Big Red Marching Band and the Cornell Concert Band, where he played the tuba and sousaphone. He also participated in ROTC, the Clef Club, and Acacia Fraternity, forming lifelong friendships and memories.

Following college, Art served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958, attaining the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He was stationed at the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot and had the good fortune of meeting Jane L. Koller, the love of his life. The two married in 1958 and moved into their Chatham Center home of 57 years in 1960.

Art worked in the family business, Chatham Furniture, until 1980 when he transitioned to a successful career in finance with Merrill Lynch, Kidder Peabody, and Prudential. Following his retirement, he embraced his entrepreneurial spirit by founding Initial Reaction, a monogramming business that he operated from their home.

Art and Jane shared a passion for ballroom dancing, which they taught together for many years. Through their classes, they brought joy and connection to countless couples, sharing their love of music and dance.

A devoted community member, Art participated in many civic organizations and clubs including: Sports Car Club of America; Porsche Club of America; Exchange Club of America; Tri-Village Fire Company (past chief and life member). A dedicated Freemason, Art served as past Master of Columbia Lodge #98. He was actively involved in the Columbia Festival Orchestra, where he served as a board member and concert manager. His commitment to his town included serving on the Town Planning Board from 1971 to 1978 and the Town Board of Chatham from 1979 to 1999.

Faith was an important part of Art's life, and he was a longtime member of the First Reformed Church of Chatham.

In 2017, Art and Jane moved to Greenville, SC, before relocating to Sugar Hill, GA, in 2022.

Art's many interests included sports cars, classical music, woodworking, dancing, and spending time with his family. He was talented and creative, possessing a wide range of skills. He was equally adept at rebuilding a Lotus engine, fabricating a wooden rocking horse for his grandchildren, or making an intricate Halloween costume.

Art is survived by his beloved wife, Jane; his children: Mark (Darsi) Frederick of Canaan, NY; Beth (Telly) Fatsis of Madison, WI; David (Wendi) Frederick of Lakewood, IL; and Susan (Andrew) Barbieri of Suwanee, GA. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jenna (John) Kinnicutt, Kelsey Frederick, Kevin Frederick, Justin (Amanda) Frederick, Matthew Frederick, Daniel Frederick, Jason Barbieri, and Christopher Barbieri, as well as his great-granddaughters, Sophia and Chloe Kinnicutt.

A service will be held in the Chatham area in the spring of 2025 with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tri-Village Fire Company.

Art Frederick will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a beloved teacher of dance, and a community leader. His legacy of kindness, passion, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.