Fair

Fred J. Fair, 82, of Shenango Township, retired command sergeant major of the U.S. Army and ambassador of the U.S. Army Reserve passed away on Jan. 12, 2022, surrounded by his three daughters.

Born on May 6, 1939, in Kittanning, he was the son of the late Frederick B. and Anna Lourene (Moesta) Fair.

He was married to E. Kaye Fair, who preceded him in death on Dec. 12, 2019.

He is survived by his three daughters, Marni Watkins, Michele (Michael) Dodge and Melissa (Mark) Lanning and his three granddaughters, Briana Watkins, Elie Dodge and Logan Lanning.

He is also survived by his brother, Sidney Fair (Joyce); his sister, Karen Fair; his sister-in-law, Ann Delaney; and his nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jud D. Fair and Clifford M. Fair.

Fred was well-known to many for being an outstanding individual in his personal, professional and military life. His civilian education consisted of A.S., Allegheny Technical Institute and B.S., Youngstown State University.

He amassed an outstanding record as a respected senior manager of manufacturing plants in both Ohio and Pennsylvania for over 30 years. In his professional career, he retired as a consultant for Hunter Lift Ltd. of North Lima, Ohio, worked as a former production manager for Mesta Machine Company, manager of operations for Bliss-Salem. Inc., and was plant manager for Unifab Inc.

An active civic and community leader in Pennsylvania for years, he served as area chair, Northwest Pennsylvania Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve; awards chair, Pennsylvania Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve; ombudsman, Northwest Pennsylvania Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve; and was vice president, 99th Infantry Division Museum Association. He was known for arranging events honoring employers who actively support members of the Guard and Reserve. His commitment to the understanding of ESGR extended to the National Guard & Reserve Soldiers, Reserve Sailors, National Guard & Reserve Airmen, Reserve Marines and Reserve Coast Guard.

Fred was treasurer, Liquid Logistics Chapter, Quartermasters Association, Association of the U.S. Army, The Noncommissioned Officers Association, The Retired Enlisted Association and the American Military Society. His civilian honors include U.S. Senator Rick Santorum Military Affairs Advisor Council, United States Army Reserve Ambassador, Pennsylvania, Jason Altimire’s Military Liaison Committee and a member of the Pennsylvania Veterans Manufacturers Consortium and ESGR Roche award recipient.

His military assignments began in 1958, ranging from Morse Code radio school, radio operator 9th Ord. Bn., radio team chief, 101st Ord. Bn., truck driver, 298th TC Co., assistant platoon sergeant 298th TC Co., platoon sergeant, 298th TC Co., supply sergeant, 298th TC Co., battalion supply sergeant, 463rd TC Bn., group supply NCO, 300th TC Gp., first sergeant, HHD 300th TC Gp. and retiring as command sergeant major with over 42 years of service, 23 of them being a senior member of the Army Reserve units in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Ohio and the District of Columbia. He served with the former 99th Army Reserve Command, which became part of the 99th Regional Support Command in 1996. Prior to his retirement, he was a senior member of an Army Reserve unit in Youngstown, Ohio.

Appointed by the Army Reserve chief after reviews by numerous boards and committees, Fair continued to support through his volunteer role as an Army Reserve ambassador, a two-star level position, where he shared his passion ensuring all soldiers received the support from their communities that they deserved.

Fair’s lifelong determination to uphold the Army values — loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage were reflected in every breath he took, and his warrior determination to be forever strong will continue to inspire and guide all of those who knew and loved him, and to his daughters, he will always be their hero.

FAIR — Visitation for Fred J. Fair, who died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday at R. CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle.

A service will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Dennis Barger of Scrubgrass Stone Church in Emlenton officiating.

Burial will be in St. Eusebius Cemetery in East Brady.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.cunninghamfh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.