Mr. Frederick Pope

Mr. Frederick Pope, of 845 North St., passed away Sunday, May 18, 2013 at Berkshire Medical Center. He was born in Springfield, MA on December 13, 1920 to Frederick and Georgianna Graveline Pope. At birth he was tossed aside by the doctor who told his father “forget about him”. The nurse in the room focused on him and saved his life and he managed to live another 92 years. He always thought he had a guardian angel, frequently telling people “there are many times I should have died”. From the time he jumped up and caught his wrist on a hook as a child to nearly being assigned as a ball turret gunner during WWII, “something always saved me”. He grew up in Springfield, attending local schools. He dropped out three months shy of receiving his high school diploma so he could support his family. He worked a variety of jobs, delivering newspapers to working at the Springfield Armory, before he joined the Army Air Corps. He was most proud of his expert pistol certification. He was part of an expert mechanical crew working on the bombers used in the war. His crew was so well thought-of, the “higher ups” kept them stateside throughout the war. He was at Maxwell Field in Alabama for most of the war. He met the love of his life, Elizabeth Anne Sheehan, at a historic football game on November 11, 1941. She was dripping wet in the rain and he was unimpressed, until their first date – “a vision walking down the stairs. I knew right then she was the girl I was going to marry.” They finally married on June 8, 1946, after his discharge from the service. Fred got a job at General Electric in Holyoke, MA in 1946. He was transferred to the Pittsfield GE in 1949. Fred and Betty bought a dilapidated house in Pittsfield and together with a dear friend, George O’Leary, they lovingly restored it. His house was his pride and joy, after his family. He retired from GE in 1982 as a supervisor in the drafting department. He dedicated himself to his grandchildren, often taking them (and his “adopted grandchildren”) sledding and swimming at local parks. “Time spent with my grandchildren was the best investment I ever made” he was fond of saying. He and Betty traveled to Europe three times in their later years. Fred was an avid reader of history and nonfiction throughout his life. His computer literacy, including Facebook and texting, amazed his less computer savvy children. He took great pleasure in seeing photos of his great-grandchildren competing in various sports on his ipad. Even late in life he continued to update his home. He continued to drive his beloved Cadillac until his death. He leaves behind his wife and their three children, Frederick Jr, Elizabeth and Christopher, as well as his nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He also leaves his sister, Jeannette (Pope) Gutkowski; and multiple nieces and nephews, as well as his beloved cat, Troubles.He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He as predeceased by his brother, Gerald Zephr Pope, and his granddaughter, Kimberly Jill Parker. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mr. Frederick Pope will be Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield MA 01201, with the Rev. William Furey officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Tuesday, prior to the service from 12 noon until 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund, care of the Dwyer Funeral Home. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ON THIS WEBSITE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Frederick Pope

December 13, 1920 - May 18, 2013