Frederick J. Menosky

Frederick “Fred” James Menosky, a devoted father and grandfather, proud Slovak-American, and lifelong lover of the sea, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025, at the age of 84. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Peter Menosky and Margaret Brooks, Fred was raised in the Lordship section of Stratford, where his love for the ocean and maritime adventures began. He attended St. John Nepomucene School before continuing his education at Fairfield Preparatory College and Fairfield University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1962. Shortly after, he served in the Army National Guard, receiving an honorable discharge in May 1963. Never one to stop learning, Fred went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from the University of Connecticut in 1965. Fred’s career was long and varied, spanning roles as a Contract Administrator and Program Manager for several federal contractors, particularly in the defense and aerospace industries. His professional journey included positions at US Motors, Sylvania, Raytheon, and the PSRO in Baltimore, among others. In 1971, his work at Frito-Lay brought his family to Crofton, Maryland, a community he would call home for many years. Later in life, he pursued his entrepreneurial spirit by running a printing business in North Baltimore, managing a department at The Home Depot, and working as a consultant in the aerospace industry with CSC and BAE Systems. Even in the later years of his career, Fred continued to embrace new opportunities, earning his realtor’s license and studying computer programming at Anne Arundel Community College. Beyond his professional achievements, Fred’s true joy was found on the water. Growing up along Long Island Sound, he was an active member of the Sea Scouts and carried that passion throughout his life. Sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and summer vacations on the Outer Banks of North Carolina brought him great happiness, with his 25’ Helms sailboat Con Brio being his pride and joy. He loved long sailing weekends and summer voyages, relishing the salt air and the challenge of the open water. A seafood enthusiast, he never missed an opportunity to indulge in the local crabs, oysters, fish and clams of the Chesapeake region. Music was another of Fred’s lifelong passions. He was an avid fan of jazz, blues, and early rock & roll, often sharing stories of his escapades visiting legendary New York City jazz clubs in his youth and attending the Newport Jazz Festival. A man of deep faith and strong community ties, Fred was an active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Crofton, where he was a founding member and lector. He was involved in the Crofton Swim & Tennis Club, the Knights of Columbus, and the Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International (CSGI), proudly celebrating his Slovak heritage through cultural events in Catonsville. Fred is survived by his son Peter Menosky of Atlanta and daughter Christine Follett of Annapolis, along with his former wife Eleanor (Elly) Follett Menosky of Annapolis. He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Stephen, in October 2004. He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Marilyn Mudrick, and brother-inlaw, Rich; nieces Maryellen and Norine, and their family members in Connecticut. His cherished grandchildren, Akahne Kopecheck and her husband Kyle of Columbus, Ohio, and Trey Menosky of Georgia, will forever hold his memory close. Fred lived his life with a spirit of adventure, an appreciation for the beauty of the sea, and a deep love for his family. His wisdom, humor, and stories will be missed by all who knew him. A viewing will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Beall Funeral Home in Bowie, Maryland from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A Mass of Remembrance and Celebration will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Crofton, Maryland, where friends and family will gather to celebrate his remarkable life. The Mass on Wednesday will also be streamed live on the Seton YouTube channel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, WPFW 89.3 FM, and Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) - three causes that reflect his lifelong passions for the water and music.