Frederick Karl Grunert, Jr., 85, of Cazenovia passed away Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. He was born Oct. 23, 1937, in Ithaca to Helen Case Grunert and Frederick Karl Grunert Sr. and attended Syracuse University, where he was captain of the ski team. Fred was the owner of Dewitt Sports and Syracuse Yacht Sales for almost 50 years. He was a kind and generous man, dedicated to his family, friends, and customers. Fred loved skiing, sailing, running and spending time on his John Deere. In summertime he could be found sailing his Laser at the Cazenovia Yacht Club on Sunday afternoons and other times playing tennis at the Cazenovia Club, and in winter he enjoyed skiing at the Cazenovia Ski Club. During the spring and fall, he enjoyed working on the summer home he built in Eastham, MA, and walking with his wife, Donna, on the beach to catch the beautiful sunsets over Cape Cod Bay. Fred had a terrific smile, and his welcoming personality was known to all his friends, as well as to the local dogs who knew they would always find a Milk-Bone in his pocket.
Fred is survived by his loving wife Donna; his son, Frederick Karl (Betsy Whitehouse) Grunert III of Pittsford, N.Y.; his daughter, Hilary (Elijah) Irby of Rye, N.Y.; his stepson, Guy (Amy) Sturgis of Melrose, MA; his stepdaughter, Tami (David) Gordon of Boise, ID; three sisters: Shirley Beckeman of Jamesville, Wilma Brownback of Manlius, and Susan Ross of Hilton Head, SC; his grandchildren: Fritz, Evelyn, Conor Lynne, Carter, Sam and Philip as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Fred was predeceased by a brother, Jerauld.
A celebration of Fred’s life will be held around the 4th of July holiday in 2023, with more information to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fred’s memory may be made to the Silver Fox Adult Day Center: paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/1529111. Condolences for the Grunert family may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.
