CHATHAM – Frederick "Freddie" Friedel, affectionately known as "Father Chatham" died May 24, 2020 at Columbia Memorial Hospital of complications from the pandemic coronavirus-19. He had been a resident for several years at The Grand at Barnwell, Valatie, before being sent to the hospital a week earlier. A native and lifelong resident of Chatham, Fred was born on April 4, 1940, the son of Claire and Wilfred Friedel. A Chatham High School graduate, he was manager of the Crandall Theatre for 20 years and later retired from the United States Postal Service after 30 years of delivering mail in his beloved community. Fred is survived by his wife, Barbara (McCagg) of Chatham, a son, Heath (Rebecca) Friedel of East Greenbush, and grandchildren Riley and Grayson of East Greenbush. He was predeceased by a son, Geoffrey, his parents, and sisters, Jean, Gladys and Ruth. Fred was an enthusiastic chronicler of the history of the Chatham Village and its railroading legacy, and devoted himself to serving the village and its citizens and making them aware of the community's past. He was a past chief and life member of the Chatham Fire Department and its rescue squad in which he was one of Columbia County's first EMTs. For 20-years following training at Dutchess Community College, Fred served as a First Aid instructor. Arrangements for burial is with French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl. No services are scheduled at this time. Memorials can be made to the Chatham and/or Ghent Food Pantries.