Frederick A. Male, Jr.

Frederick “Poppy Phred” Male Jr., 79, of Latham, NY, husband of Deborah Houghtaling Male, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born in Albany, NY, the son of the late F. Albert “Al” and Agnes (Reittenger) Male. He was a graduate of Shaker High School and worked for Mohawk Brush Company in Newtonville and Prestige Services for more than 42 years.

Fred was a true tinkerer and could often be found working on one of his many “MacGyver projects.” There was rarely a problem he couldn’t find a creative way to fix, build, or improve. His curiosity and ingenuity were matched only by the love he had for his family, especially his grandchildren.

He created countless special memories with his grandchildren. He built a hoverboard in the kitchen, played hockey in the living room, and even put a swing in the kitchen so the babies could play when the weather was cold or rainy. He loved taking them fishing, out on the boat, and tubing on the Mohawk River and at camp. He gave each of his grandchildren a harmonica so they could all play music together—a memory they will carry with them for years to come.

Fred had a lifelong love of muscle cars, enjoying both looking at them and working on them, a passion he proudly passed along to his family. He was also an avid NHRA fan and could often be found watching the races on Sundays.

A devoted Coca-Cola enthusiast, Fred loved Coca-Cola and collected Coca-Cola memorabilia. He also treasured quiet moments at camp on Caroga Lake, where he enjoyed sipping Scotch on the porch with his beloved wife, Deborah.

Fred will be deeply missed by his wife, Deborah; his children, Mike Male (Khristy), Holly Rogers (Mark), and Kelly Knotek; his grandchildren, Cody (Ashley), Alex (Skyler), Lauren (Sam), Jaxon, and Caileigh; and his great-grandchildren, Emmalynn and Georgia Grace, with another great-grandbaby on the way. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

In addition to his parents, Fred was predeceased by his three sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley (Tom), Sandy (Tom), and Penny (Roger), and his grandson, Joseph.

Fred leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, “MacGyver” creations, harmonica music, boat rides, fishing trips, muscle cars, Coca-Cola treasures, and, most importantly, a family who will forever carry his love with them.

Rest easy, Poppy Phred. You will be loved, remembered, and missed always.

Visiting hours will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a service to immediately follow at 7:00 pm on Monday, October 5, 2026 at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Community Hospice, 443 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205.