Fredric Massena

Fredric Massena, age 90, of Cedarville, Michigan, died peacefully on June 5, 2015 at Cedar Cove in Cedarville. He was born November 9, 1924 in Washington, DC to Frederick Foster Swallow and Martha A. (Hazzard) Swallow. Fredric was orphaned during the depression and his first opportunity to attend school was the last two months of third grade in Illinois. He was forever grateful to his case worker Miss Price and his teacher Miss Robinson who became the center of his world. They loaded him up with books to read during summer vacation including the book “Tom Swift and his Aeroplane” which ignited Fred’s passion for flying and his dream of becoming an airplane pilot. Fred felt that if you don’t have a passion for something and you don’t have dreams, you don’t have much of a life. Fred’s case worker found him a loving home with his very own bed in his very own room and an unused workshop which enabled him to become a serious airplane modeler. His adoptive parents, Roy and Mabel Massena allowed him to dream and provided him tools to achieve those dreams. He grew up in the Golden Age of Aviation and rode the wave of flying history. In 1942, after three years of college, Fred signed up for the Naval Aviation Cadet program where he earned his Navy Wings of Gold. World War II ended and Fred transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps where he continued flight training and flying. He later served with the U.S. Army National Guard. In all, Fred served his country for 20 years. Fred was an astute businessman who participated in various successful businesses and investments over the years. In the early 1980’s, Fred moved to Cedarville where he enjoyed living simply and appreciating the nature around him. He continued flying but also enjoyed golfing, amateur radio, sailing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and philanthropy. He and his dear friend Vesta B. Knuth enjoyed dancing and attending athletic events and fundraisers at area schools. Fred is survived by his adopted son, Richard Wallace (wife, Shelly) Paulsen of Spokane, Washington; daughters, Pamela L. (husband, James L.) Knight of Bainbridge Island, Washington, and Patricia Ann (husband, David J.) Krueger of Davis, California; son, Roy Phillip (wife, Vickie L. McConnell) Massena of Spokane; grandchildren, Anthony L. Mattingly, Tyler M. Larsen, Morgan Wagner Massena, Hans Fredric Greiner, Megan Katrina (Massena) Koontz, Eric Preston Greiner, and Molly Miranda Massena; and great grandson, Arlin Jack Larsen. Fred was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia S. (Swallow) Hord; his former spouse, Betty Lucille (Frobish) Massena; and his longtime companion, Vesta B. Knuth. Services will be held Wednesday, June 10 at R. Galer Funeral Home, 24549 S. M-129 in Pickford, Michigan. A gathering time will start at 6:00 P.M. followed by a memorial service at 7:00 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to the Les Cheneaux Community Schools Athletic Department, P.O. Box 366, Cedarville, MI 49719.

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Fredric Massena

November 9, 1924 - June 5, 2015