Obituary of Frederick J. Traudt

Frederick “Fritz” Joseph Traudt, Jr. 88, of Floral Ave., Canajoharie, NY passed away at his home on the morning of Friday, April 7 th , 2023 He was born on February 8, 1935 at St. Mary’sHospital in Amsterdam, NY the son of the late Fred and Gladys (Buddle) Traudt.
Fritz was a graduate of Canajoharie High School, class of 1952. After graduation he dedicated his life to the family business, Joseph Traudt, Inc. until its closing in 2012. Fritz served in the US Army Reserves for 6 months.
In 1958 he joined the Canajoharie Volunteer Fire Department serving 62 years. While serving he enjoyed being an Explorer Scout Junior Firefighter Adviser, Secretary, President, Assistant Chief, and Chief. He was also a certified First Responder and EMT with the fire department. In addition, he was a member of the Mid-County Volunteer Ambulance Service as a driver and EMT.
Fritz played his bugle in the Plainsmen Drum and Bugle Corp. and trumpet in the Second Time Around Band. He looked forward to and enjoyed every practice session.
In 2012 after closing the greenhouse he joined the Van Alstyne Homestead Society and soon after took on the responsibilities of the President. He was a lifetime reader of Revolutionary War history and was a true asset to that organization.
Fritz was the recipient of many awards for his years of service to his community most notably the first First Responder of the Year award for Montgomery County and in 2022 he was inducted into the Canajoharie High School Alumni Hall of Fame.
Fritz was a communicant of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church serving there as a member of the pastoral council and a lector.
On July 10, 1962 he married Elizabeth (Betty) DeForest. She predeceased him on March 1, 2012.
He was also predeceased by grandparents, parents, brother, Robert Traudt, sister Mary King, stepdaughters Cathy and Cindy and granddaughter Celena.
Survivors include his sons, Michael Traudt, Mark Traudt, daughter Patricia (Traudt) Greco, sister Susan Beaver, 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, April 14, 2023 at Houghtaling and Smith Funeral Home 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on April 15 th , 2023 at Our Lady ofHope Catholic Church, Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY. Burial will take place at St. Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Route 10, Canajoharie, NY.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Van Alstyne Homestead Society, P.O. Box 372, Canajoharie, NY 13317, St. Peter and Paul’s Cemetery Fund, 119 Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339, Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 119 Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339, or the Canajoharie Vol. Fire Dept., 75 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie, NY 13317.