Essex- Fred Joseph Watrous 81, of Essex, passed away Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015 , at the Essex Center in Elizabethtown, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Lake Placid , N.Y. on February 17 , 1934, the son of Samuel R. and Ardelle M. (Fisk) Watrous .
He was married to the love of his life Mechthilde (Monika) Rosen Swires. They enjoyed 36 years together. Fred worked at Peru Farm Center and then went to work for the Town of Essex as a heavy equipment operator from which he retired. In his spare time before and after retiring he drove tractor trailer for Mike Carson's Trucking in Willsboro. Fred had a great fondness for "old time" tractors and enjoyed going to tractor shows with his friends and loved driving his. He loved to drive around in his truck, and could tell you where every back road and best place to eat was in the North Country and beyond.
Survivors include his wife , Monika of Essex, who now resides at the Essex Center in Elizabethtown, his step-daughter , Angela and Todd Pierce SR. of Essex, step-sons, Randy Swires of Essex, and Curtis (Donna) Swires of Miss. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Todd (T.J.), Cole and Chase Pierce, Randi Lauren and her son Grayson, Kylie and Seth Swires, Allison and Aaron Swires and their mother Lisa of Wisconsin. He is also survived by his brother Arthur Watrous of Ticonderoga and many nieces and nephews whom he adored. He is also survived by his special and longtime friends, Earl and Shirley Brant of Willsboro, and Gary and Dianne Cox of Lewis. He was predeceased by his brothers, Alfred, Samuel , and William, his sisters, Elizabeth and Ruth, and his step-son, Danny Swires.
A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at a later date.
Donations in Fred's memory can be made to the Essex Rescue Squad.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Marvin-Heald Funeral Home, 7521 Court Street, Elizabethtown.
To light a memorial candle or leave an online condolence please visit
www.healdfuneralhomeinc.com