Fred J. Fundy

Fred J. Fundy, 91, of North Belle Vernon, passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Penn Highlands - Mon Valley. Born Giovanni Antonio Ferdinando Fontana, Fred was born on May 20th, 1934, to the late John and Assunta (Santoro) Fundy, at their home on Morgan Avenue in Monessen. He spent his childhood there until moving to North Belle Vernon in 1943 with his Italian-American family at the age of nine. During his formative years, Fred learned from his father how to build and fix almost anything, and became fluent in Italian. One of Fred’s many interests was drag racing, in which he achieved notable victories in the late 1950s and early 1960s at Howels Corners Ohio’s “Thompson Drag Strip” in his Hudson Wasp and 1960 Rambler American. He was a hard worker, starting at Rolley’s (automotive) as a teenager, pumping gas and washing cars. Fred always had an interest in cars - and he could tell the year and make of any car with an authority and flair that would make Marissa Tomei proud.

Fred graduated from Bellmar High School in North Belle Vernon in 1952 and then enrolled in California State University, initially pursuing industrial arts before switching to secondary education. During his schooling, he was a member of Phi Sigma Pi, a national honor society. He also acted as a member of the intercollegiate conference on government. Fred graduated from Cal State with a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education and a Minor in English.

Fred then joined the United States Army during the Korean War, becoming a specialist 3rd class serving for three years. He completed basic training at Fort Knox followed by specialist training at Fort Story. He was then deployed to Germany, where he worked as a Company Clerk, a Personnel Clerk, a truck driver, and a mechanic. During his deployment, Fred traveled throughout Europe including Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt, during a tense period before the Berlin Wall was erected. He also visited the Black Forest, from where he brought back numerous souvenirs for his family.

After his military service, Fred married in 1962, and together with his wife, Betty, built a life in Belle Vernon with their five children and nearby extended family. Betty knew he was “the one” as soon as she saw him pump gas for her at Val’s, and even though he “didn’t dance”, he later learned to jitterbug pretty well. At that same time, Fred began teaching at his alma mater, Bellmar High School, where he continued teaching until 1966. He then transitioned to government work, starting as a trainee Industrial Specialist in Pittsburgh, later advancing to roles as a security specialist, property manager, supervisor of a production branch, and the Deputy for Small Businesses.

Throughout his life, he and Betty hosted multiple gatherings and parties at their home over the decades including family reunions, “card club”, graduation parties, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties and more - all with family, friends and neighbors. He and his family took numerous summer vacations together – which had continued right through the present, renting a beach house to accommodate the growing family of 28. He visited 22 states as well as several trips to Canada, including the “Bay of Fundy” (no relation).

Despite shifting his career away from education, he was nominated to act as a chaperone for the Presidential Classroom on two occasions. This prestigious program brought together high school seniors from around the country to spend a week in Washington DC, touring multiple government buildings while leading discussions about local politics and the US Constitution.

Fred was an outstanding public speaker and an avid writer of “Letters to the Editor” to the local newspaper. He also enjoyed writing to the paper to point out grammatical mistakes, prompting The Valley Independent to engage him as an honorary editor. His communication skills led him to act as the master of ceremonies for the Memorial Day services at North Belle Vernon Cemetery for many years, honoring veterans and fostering community remembrance. He is also famous for arranging numerous class reunions, including his own, his wife Betty’s, and the “All Bellmar Class Reunion” for anyone who graduated from or taught at the historic Bellmar High School– the most recent gathering occurring just a few months before his death.

Fred loved all types of books and was a passionate reader, often finishing the latest titles from the New York Times bestseller list before any of his children could read them.

After retirement from the Federal Government in 1993 at age 59, the “novelty” of early retirement never wore off, proudly announcing that “I don’t need to go to work tomorrow” to the chagrin of his adult children, well into his late 80’s. Being an energetic person fueled by purpose, Fred took on a new role by serving as Code Enforcement Officer and Zoning Officer for North Belle Vernon Borough for 20 years while continuing his commitment to volunteering in his community. Being deeply committed to service, Fred loaned his talents to several organizations throughout his life. He served as a Cub Scout Leader, guiding youth and supporting local scouting activities. At St. Sebastian Church, Fred was a dedicated member and one-time president of the first Parish Council where he led a major $1M fundraising campaign. Fred was actively involved in several organizations, most notably holding leadership roles in the North Belle Vernon Fire Department, serving as President, Vice President, and Recording Secretary (as well as firefighting, where he was once injured) since his joining in 1964.

In addition, Fred acted as a board member, chairman, secretary, and co-founder of the Belle Vernon Area Credit Union, and served on the boards of the Allegheny County Federal Employees Credit Union, Pittsburgh Central Credit Union, and the PA State Employees Credit Union. Fred served as Senior Vice Commander and Adjutant (Secretary) of the Belle Vernon Area VFW and was a member of the American Legion for over 30 years. He was President of the Italian American Heritage Society of Monessen and a charter member of the Italian Society of Mutual Aid. Fred also served as Vice President and Secretary of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees in Uniontown, the Refuse Authority for 56 years as a member and one-time President, and most recently, he contributed to the North Belle Vernon Historical Society, helping to research content for a book on the town’s history.

In addition to his outreach, Fred always had time for friends. “Boat Club” was a long-time Tuesday evening social engagement, and even though none of the members were boat owners, they enjoyed having dinner and playing bocci together. Daily trips to Aldi and Ollie’s doubled as entertainment for Fred, who could never pass up a real bargain. Friday nights at The Foster House was a mainstay for Fred and his friends, YT and Barry.

The most important thing in the world to Fred was his family, and upon asking for one of his daughter's hand in marriage from one of his beloved sons-in-laws said: "if my kids are happy, I'm happy”. The highlight for Fred was to have all of his family joined around a table for special meals - and at one of the last ones, announced to his children, sons and daughters-in-law and grandchildren: "I hope nothing ever breaks this up”, to which a son-in-law replied: "nothing ever will.”

Fred’s legacy is marked by his dedication to public service, community involvement, and the many lives he touched through his work and volunteerism. He will be remembered for his leadership, enthusiasm, high energy, positivity, kindness, generosity, and commitment to family and community.

He is survived by his five children John & Carrie Fundy, Mary Ann & John Fuhry, Fred & Denise Fundy, Joanne & Jeff Jones, Susan & Tim Donaldson; nine grandchildren Dominic & Allie Fundy, Tyler & Kelsey Kurutz, T.J. & Danielle Kurutz, Lissa Jones, Neal Jones, Sam Donaldson, Michelle Donaldson; great grandchild Jensyn J. Kurutz; and two “honorary grandchildren”, Virginia Ellis and Dylan Dingle. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth M. Fedor (12-14-2023); grandson Freddy Fundy; two brothers Frank F. Fundy, Attilo F. Fundy; four sisters Eleanor Mancuso, Delilah Stipoli, Loretta Hadjantoni and Mary Praskavich. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Sunday 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations LLC, Family Owned and Operated, 626 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon 724-929-6183. Prayers of Transfer will be held Monday at 10 AM in the funeral home followed by funeral mass at 10:30 AM at St. Sebastian R.C. Church with the Rev. Michael Thomas as celebrant. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Members of the North Belle Vernon Fire Dept. will conduct services Sunday at 7 PM in the funeral home. The Family suggests memorial contributions be made in memory of Fred J. Fundy to North Belle Vernon Vol. Fire Dept. or the North Belle Vernon Public Library.