Frederick Greenia

HIGHGATE CENTER – Frederick “Fred” A. Greenia, aged 95, died peacefully on October 25, 2024 at the Franklin County Rehab Center in St. Albans with his family by his side.

Born to his parents Peter & Edith (Martell) Greenia on July 4, 1929, Fred was the eldest of 10 children. After his father died, he unselfishly stepped up to help raise and care for his younger siblings. He did this by trapping and selling furs; in his later years Fred would joke that he and his brothers would have to sit in the corner of the classroom as they often smelled of skunks! When he became old enough, Fred enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. While stationed in Germany, he fell in love with a beautiful young woman named Marianne, who willingly returned to the Greenia homestead with him in Highgate, VT.

Together Fred and Marianne raised six children. While there were moments when times were hard, Fred never shied away from hard work. He worked alongside Marianne on the family farm and for the St. Albans Co-Op for many years. To his neighbors, Fred was a quiet and respected man; to his family he was loving and generous and loved a good prank. He often retold the tale of convincing his newlywed foreign bride that she should make “worm pie”. Imagine his surprise when she actually did!

Fred was an avid deer hunter, and trapper, making the last trek out in the woods at 90 years old. There was little that could bring him more joy than heading out to deer camp in Montgomery with his brothers, son, grandchildren and a big pot of chili. During hunting season his little house would be bursting at the seams with family and friends stopping by to discuss what they had seen out in the woods. When it became too difficult for Fred to venture outside, successful hunters would bring their trophy close to the kitchen window where he could wave his congratulations to them. Hunting was an integral part of his whole life, and it brought Fred such joy that he got to watch his great-grandchildren suit up and venture across the same fields that he did so many years before.

As Fred slowed down and needed assistance around the house, his family was there for him every day; for so many people to devote their time to care for him was a true testament to the kind of man Fred was.

Fred is survived by his brother and best friend, Earl Greenia (and wife Jean) of St. Albans and sister, Gloria Gardner of New York; his children and their spouses: Karl and Linda Greenia of Swanton, Edith “Edie” and Gary Brennan of California, Diane and Dave Minor of Highgate, Deborah Johnson of Highgate, and Susan and Charles Thompson of New Hampshire; grandchildren and their spouses: Autumn and Paul Hoffman, Hannah and Adam Miller, Shawn Brennan, Meghan and Curtis Gragg, Michelle Pigeon, Kirk and Alison Pigeon, Paul Pigeon, Travis and Cristin Johnson, Amanda and Chad Hess, Chelsey and Nathan Twombly, and Jonathon Thompson; twelve great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; godson, Earl “Joe” Greenia Jr. of Nevada; goddaughter, Brenda Gagne of Highgate; and many, many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Fred was predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years, Marianne; daughter, Paula; infant son, Peter; grandson, Michael Pigeon; and seven siblings.

Friends & family are invited to Frederick’s life celebration to include visitation from 4-7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at the Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at St. Louis Catholic Church, Lamkin Street, Highgate, VT. Interment will follow in St. Louis Catholic Cemetery.

When wealth is measured in love, Fred was the richest man around.

For those who wish, contributions in Fred’s memory may be made to Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation, P.O. Box 241, Harborcreek, PA 16421.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com