Clifford “Dean” Frederick

On April 14, 2022, Clifford “Dean” Frederick followed Jesus and walked into the arms of his parents, Clifford and Eva; brother, Bernard “Bud”; and sister, Katherine. He is survived by Cora, his wife of 67 years; daughter, Janet (Art); grandchildren, Artie (Maggie), and Lindsey; great grandchildren Aidan, Quin, Liam, Vivi, Annabelle, Isla, and Jesse; and the many nieces, nephews, and other special family and friends with whom he was so very close; Kim (Doug), Tom (Janine); and all others who have played pivotal roles, but there just will never be enough room. Dean truly loved being around people. From sharing holiday dinners with family to roasting hot dogs around the camp fire with good friends.

Horses were Dean’s passion. If he wasn’t riding, he was watching his daughter and nephew ride, or planning his vacation around horses in some way. His love of horses never faded. He was President of The Summit County Fair Board, and volunteered at both the Ohio State Fair and Quarter Horse Congress. He loved visiting The Calgary Stampede and the Kentucky Horse Park. He was also a long-time past member of both the Akron Saddle Club and Central Ohio Saddle Club Association.

Living the dream in their motor home for over ten years, my parents traveled thirty-eight states with Buckeye Cruisers and many, many close friends.

Dean spent many a stormy night atop a utility pole repairing lines for Ohio Edison. He also worked for the Akron City Schools, first driving a school bus for special needs students, then specializing in welding and woodworking. His home workshop was proof of his love of woodworking. Later, he followed in his father’s footsteps as the ground’s foreman for the Akron Board of Education, where he retired in 1980.

Dad was the definition of a helping hand; ready to drive, repair, build, or teach whatever made someone else’s life easier. He even jumped in a reservoir to save the life of a drowning fisherman without a second thought. As his family grew, he spent more and more time enjoying their company, and teaching them everything he learned over the years. He lived a big life and remembered all of you, and now we remember him and his impact on all of us.

Per his wishes, he will be cremated and a private family burial will take place. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Dad’s name to Pegasus Farm Equestrian Center. Pegasus is a therapeutic equestrian center serving people with disabilities. Pegasus Farm Equestrian Center, 7490 Edison St. NE, Hartville, Ohio 44632.