Fred J. Streich

Fred John "Freddie" Streich, 91, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of Ash Street, Ridgway, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

He was born on May 14, 1934, in Ridgway, the son of the late Fred "Scump" and Agnes E. (Steger) Streich.

On May 23, 1959, at St. Leo's Magnus Roman Catholic Church, Freddie married the late Rosella J. Moline, who preceded him in death in 1995. Together they shared 36 years of love and marriage.

Freddie was born and raised in Ridgway. He graduated from Ridgway High School and went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force. His service brought him many opportunities, including operating a power plant while stationed in Greenland. He was a longtime member of St. Leo Magnus Roman Catholic Church in Ridgway and worked as a dedicated employee of Ridgway Color and Chemical, where he was a color maker. He also drove a school bus in Ridgway for many years. Freddie was active in many local clubs and civic groups, including the Ridgway American Legion, the Elks, the Moose, the V.F.W., and Ridgway school booster clubs. He was a proud member of the Ridgway American Legion Burial Detail and Honor Guard. In addition, he was a volunteer fireman with the Ridgway Fire Department, served as a fire tower watchman, and even fought wildfires out west during his military service. He also served for many years on the Ridgway School Board. Freddie was deeply involved in his community. He enjoyed attending local sporting events and volunteering at the polls on Election Day.

In his free time, Freddie enjoyed watching baseball games, especially when one of his grandsons was on the field. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He loved music and often listened to his vinyl records and whistled along to his favorite tunes. At home, he enjoyed playing shuffleboard on his personal table, throwing horseshoes, going to bingo, playing cards, and hosting Super Bowl parties. He also loved swimming in the family pool. At Christmastime, Freddie delighted in dressing up as Santa Claus and making surprise visits to children, spreading joy and holiday cheer. Freddie's favorite drink was milk, which he enjoyed daily from his personal stainless-steel mug. He also had a fondness for root beer and Reese's chocolate sticks. He was known for his jolly laugh and positive spirit, often remarking that he "had a good life." His family meant the world to him, and he cherished time spent with his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren. This deep love extended to his many nieces and nephews, who affectionately called him "Uncle Freddie" and "Big Daddy."

He is survived by three of his children:

- Georgetta "Jetta" Bishop of Pittsfield, PA

- Teresa (Paul) Streich Clark of Fairfield, PA

- Luke A. Streich Sr. of Ridgway

He is also survived by his son-in-law, Ben Brendel of Ridgway, and nine grandchildren:

- Connie L. (Chris) Zaffino of PA

- Joey Fitch of PA

- Darrin L. Brendel of CA

- Julie E. Gardner of CA

- Luke A. Streich Jr. of PA

- Tobias J. (Kylee) Streich of PA

- Seth T. Streich of CO

- Meagan R. Clark of CA

- Earl S. Clark of PA

...as well as numerous great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Freddie was preceded in death by two daughters: Sandra Lee Brendel in 2024 and Susan Marie Streich, who passed away on the day of her birth, March 12, 1964; and by a great-granddaughter, Amelia Renee Streich, in 2017, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tobias J. Streich.

A Celebration of Life for Fred John "Freddie" Streich will take place at the Ridgway American Legion, 330 Main Street, Ridgway, PA 15853, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, beginning with a Military Honor Guard ceremony at 1:00 p.m. sharp, followed by a celebration and luncheon at 1:15 p.m.

Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Amacher Road, Ridgway, PA 15853 Coordinates: 41.42537, -78.75525

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ridgway American Legion, 330 Main Street, Ridgway, PA 15853.

Arrangements are under the care of Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Freddie John Streich was one of a kind. This song is a tribute to him. https://youtu.be/jo9tv7J0HR8 "Terry's Song" by Bruce Springsteen