Obituary of Francis G. Neidert

(Albion/Brockport)

Francis “Fritz” Neidert passed away peacefully on Monday 3/8/2021 with family by his side.  His life was dedicated to family and service to his community.  Fritz was born to George and Mary Elizabeth Neidert on 3/24/1934 in Albion NY.  He was a graduate of Albion High School, Rochester Business Institute and in 1955 he joined the US Army where he served 2 years as a Military Police Officer. Fritz returned to NY and began working for Niagara Mohawk.  In 1962 he joined the Eastman Kodak Company where he worked for 30 years up to his retirement.

Fritz had joined the Albion Fire Department at the age of 18 and was elected into numerous leadership roles including that of Albion Fire Chief; which he held from 1962-1968.  Additional involvement within Albion FD was his membership in the Hart Hose Company No. 3 and the Albion Fire Flies Drill Team.  He was active in the Western New York Volunteer Firemens Association and served as President in 1982. It was during this time that Fritz was honored for his heroism in the 1978 Holiday Inn Fire in Greece NY, where he was credited with saving numerous lives.  From 1988-1999 Fritz served on the board of trustees at the Firemens Home of the Firemens Association of the State of New York and also filled the role of Secretary.    

From 1972-1981 Fritz served the Village of Albion in various roles as trustee, planning board member and Deputy Mayor and was a 63 year member of the Albion Elks Club.  He was a licensed private pilot and enjoyed summer outings attending Drum & Bugle Corps competitions and air shows. He also enjoyed volunteering at the annual Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida where he resided for 18 years.   

Fritz is survived by his wife of 24 years Marie Neidert, his first wife of 38 years Nancy Neidert and their 5 children: Mary Neidert, Kathleen Neidert, Karen (James) Warren, Natalie (Don) Johnston, and Michael (Kendall) Neidert.  Fritz was also “Bompa” and “Papa Fritz” to 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Friday April 9th 3-7pm Christopher-Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 West Avenue-Albion.  Family and friends are invited to attend Fritz’s Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life,  Saturday April 10,th 10am Holy Family Parish Albion. The Mass will also be live-streamed and can be viewed on-line at: http://livestream.com/accounts/13498042. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  Please note that the Funeral Home and the Church will be operating at 50% capacity.  Face masks/coverings are mandatory and social distancing will be enforced. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:  Albion Fire Department, 106 N. Platt St., Albion, NY, 14411 or PAWS, 3371 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion, NY, 14411.