Frederick M. Denmark Jr.

Frederick M. Denmark, Jr., 67, lifelong resident of Trumansburg, NY passed away April 27, 2024 at home after a long illness. He left this world peacefully while in the loving arms of Joan, his wife of 44 years, and many caring family members in attendance. Fred (‘Bite’ to those who knew him the best) was born March 25, 1957, the oldest son of Fredrick M., Sr (deceased) and Margaret (Page) Denmark.

Bite, with a grin that could light up a room from an early age, loved growing up on his family’s farm, was a natural athlete and avid outdoorsmen. After graduating from Trumansburg High School, he attended and graduated from Alfred State University. Loving his time at Alfred, he became MVP of Alfred’s Collegiate Championship Rifle team in his senior year. Then, while at Alfred, and marksman that he was, he set his sights on his future bride and found the bullseye of his life. Upon returning home, he took up the farming lifestyle that he loved, as well as becoming the 3rd generation of Denmark professional painters.

A man of few words, Bite was still a force to be reckoned with, generous, hardworking, and seldom turning down any request for his help. He gave freely of his time, building or fixing up many a house for a family members, usually at his father’s side. He was a ‘jack of all trades’, and skilled at all. Bite was justifiably satisfied when he eventually became his own boss by starting up the Denmark Painting company with his father, which he successfully ran (including every aspect of the business) for many years until his retirement. His honesty, competence, commitment and quality workmanship on the job were much appreciated by his many customers.

Loved and liked by all who knew him, Bite never missed a chance to go hunting, fishing, boating, and camping with family and friends, and was a true family man. Bite derived great joy from his family, was an enthusiastic fan of his boys’ (and then the grandchildren’s’) many sports games and endeavors. In later years Bite was able to share and pass on his love of boating, fishing, ice fishing, and camping at the family camp (his dream come true) on the St. Lawrence River. While passing on the family hunting traditions, Bite raised and trained ‘Chrissy’ who became his pride and joy as a retrieving dog. He did not know the meaning of the word ‘quit’ if Bite started something, he succeeded, and he finished it.

His family will remember forever his steadfast loyalty to, and love for, each and every one of them, his enthusiasm in cheering them all on for as long as he was able, and his courage in dealing with what life dealt him. Even his illness could not diminish the genuine joy in his infectious smile when he saw the antics of his grandkids, or was tickled by some bantering comment by family or friends. As that ‘man of few words’, Bite would probably say this writing has way too many (words), but those who loved him know it has way too few.

In addition to his loving mother, Bite is survived by his devoted wife, ever by his side- Joan Preston Denmark; 2 sons: Timothy (Kate), and Todd (Lonnie) Denmark, both of Trumansburg; 5 grandchildren: Allison, Cole, Emma, Robert and Nathan Denmark; siblings: John (Karen) and Patrick (Joanne) Denmark, Peggy (George) Kastenhuber, Dorothy (Tim) Wright and Sue (Kevin) Winder; loving mother-in-law Gretta Preston; sisters-in-law Cindy (Mike) Hagin and Barbara (Bill) Yaeger; and many nieces and nephews who Bite loved and treated as his own. He was predeceased by his father; younger brother James Denmark; and father-in-law James C. Preston.

The family will be present to receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00pm on Monday, May 6th at Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg, NY. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 4:00pm at the funeral home.

Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you kindly consider a donation in Fred’s memory online or by mail to: the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011; Hospicare & Palliative Care Services, 172 East King Rd, Ithaca, NY, 14850; in support of NYS DEC Youth camps at http://www.naturalheritagetrust.org/campership-donations or the special charity of your choice.