The Catskill Chronicle

Sullivan County Democrat file photo

Story written and compiled by Leni Santoro

When I was in college, not so long ago at that, a man came to talk to my Journalism class about what it was like to be the son (and grandson) in a family run newspaper business. The man was Fred Stabbert III. his grandfather was Fred Stabbert Sr. and his father was Fred W. Stabbert Jr.

A newspaper is like a family; itself with its own obligations, joys, rewards, concerns and sorrows. The Sullivan County Democrat has experienced great joy as in when they have garnered awards, made it through tough times or seen the birth of a new generation. Yesterday, August 10, it experienced a sorrow, and it is a sorrow to us all, no matter what paper or news source we write for.

The Sullivan County Democrat, located in Callicoon, was founded in 1891 and has been independently owned and operated by the Stabbert family since 1927. Stewardship of the county’s oldest, continuously operating news source has passed from father to son through the generations.

Now once more the paper has passed from father to son.

According to his obituary in the Democrat, “Fred W. Stabbert Jr, passed away peacefully at Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris on Monday morning, August 10, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. He died at the age of 81, following a short illness.”

“Fred Jr. was the patriarch of the Stabbert family and his was a life very well lived.” said the statement released after the death. “We feel very blessed that he was able to enjoy so much time with us and his large circle of friends. Spending time with those he loved meant everything to him. He was happiest when he was either behind the grill cooking his famous chicken barbecue for us or visiting with his many close friends. He lived life to the fullest and all who met him could sense his love of life. He also liked to meet new people and always made it a point to tell them he was from Callicoon. While our hearts are heavy, we know that he is now at peace, and that his strength will continue on in all of us.”

He is survived by his life partner of 58 years, Shirley Kohler Stabbert of Callicoon. Also his daughter Kathy and husband John Werner, of Hurley; daughter Laurie and husband Dick Sanford of Bloomville; daughter Billie and husband Peter Finch of Riverview, Fla.; daughter Mary and husband John Hope-Ross of Naugatuck, Ct. and son, Fred Stabbert III and wife Regina of Callicoon.
Also his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Michael Werner; Abby, Corey and Dickson Sanford; Christian, Amy and Brian Finch; David, William and Stephen Hope-Ross and Laura, Claire and Andrew Stabbert. Also, two great grandchildren, Emily and Peyton Finch. Also a sister, Anne Foland of Middletown and a brother, Robert Stabbert of Miami, Fla. Also, three nephews, Tim Robisch, David Robisch and Clifford Stabbert; and two nieces, Anne Marie Willi and Elaine Ernst.
He was predeceased by a brother, Edwin, of New York City.

Visiting for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, August 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home in Callicoon. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, August 13 at the United Methodist Church, Route 97, Callicoon. Burial will be in the Callicoon Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Callicoon Fire Department, P.O. Box 806, Callicoon, New York 12723; the United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 235, Callicoon, New York 12723 or the charity of one’s choice.

To learn more about this one of a kind gentleman read the Sullivan County Democrat article by Dan Hust or his Obituary, also in the Democrat.