Obituary of Frederick S. Phinney

Frederick Sumner Phinney, Sr., born February 27, 1930, passed from this world into the arms of Jesus on September 15, 2011 with his beloved wife, Frances, nearby. The son of the late Leon and Thelma (Boynton) Phinney, Fred was born in Franklin, CT and attended school in Westbrook and Chester. Fred worked as an expeditor at New Britain Machine Company and at AMF in Essex. He worked at NSA in Clinton and retired from Pepperidge Farm Mail Order in Clinton in 1999. For more than 40 years Fred was a member and served in many capacities at Deep River Congregational Church. He enjoyed his family and many friends, gardening, his home, games, cooking, music, dancing, painting and traveling to Italy to visit Fran's family. Fred served actively in the US Army from 1950-52 as a cook and shared his love of cooking with all. He was a member of the American Legion Post #61, Deep River, VFW Post #10153, Old Saybrook and the Madison Masonic Lodge #87, A. F. & A.M. He was predeceased by his son Leon H. Phinney, and his brothers Leon (Bud), Carl and his sister Jean Pfeifier. Fred is survived by his wife of 55 years Frances; his children Debra Porretta and husband Michael of Old Lyme; Irene Phinney and partner Lisa Cefaratti of Cromwell; Grace Taylor and husband Scott of Moodus; and Fred Phinney of Westbrook; Louis Phinney-Stoltz and partner Cliff of Florida; Fred and wife Susan in Georgia. His sister Sue Balisciano and husband Peter and sister Thelma Baldwin; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews. For more than 12 years Fred was treated for ESRD by many loving, professional 'friends'. Since Fred's health had been precarious for years he came to know some of the most extraordinary caregivers at Middlesex Memorial Hospital, Da Vita Dialysis, Higganum Family Practice, Middlesex Cardiology and Middlesex Surgical Group, and especially Dr. David Baggish. They kept him well, as long as they could and he loved and appreciated them all. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2011 from 5 PM. to 7 PM. at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook. A Masonic Service will be held at 6:30 PM. Celebration of Fred's life and the rendering of Military Honors will be held at the Deep River Congregational Church, 1 Church Street, Deep River on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 10 a.m. with a reception to follow at the Swede Hall on Riverview Ave, Deep River. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to The Kitchen Committee at the Deep River Congregational Church, P.O. Box 246, Deep River, CT 06417 a place Fred loved to be.