Frederick W. Ganter, 76, of 22460 Willowbrook Drive, Watertown passed away at home Sunday morning, February 7, 2010.

He was born in Watertown on September 17, 1933, the son of Howard E. and Florence P. Ganter. 

Fred graduated from Watertown High and continued his education at Canton ATC where he was a member of the hockey team.     

On October 29, 1955 he married Joan T. Pfister in Watertown.  It was then he began his 42 year career as a mechanic, and then as a regional fleet manager with NY telephone. He also worked for the Town of Pamelia and several contractors in the Watertown area.

Outside of work he was an active member in the Elks Club, Brownville Game and Gun club, Telephone Pioneers, General Brown Board of Education and Booster Club and was a founding member of the Fisher’s Landing Racing Club.   

Fred is survived by his wife Joan and their family; Howard and Dani Ganter, Glen Park; Peter and Lori Ganter, Chaumont; Randy and Cathleen Ganter, Dexter; Julie and Mike Hulbert, Dexter; James and Terri Ganter, Clayton; Kathy and John Chiumento, Olive Branch, Mississippi; Sue Ann and Wayne Messick, Watertown, and Kyle and Alexis Ganter, Irondequoit.  He also leaves behind 18 grand children, eight great grand children, two sisters and their spouses, Nancy and Gary Marshall and Norma and Alden Laclair both of Pamelia, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Fred was a strong supporter of General Brown athletics, enjoyed spending the summers on the St. Lawrence River and antique boating.  He was very involved in all activities with his family and was a master mechanic. He was known for his ability to repair and prefabricate just about anything mechanical.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Feburary 10 at Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter from 2-4 and 7-9.  The funeral will be held on Thursday, February 11 at 11:00am at the Johnson Funeral Home with Pastor Patricia Waltz officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the General Brown Booster Club, attention: Fredrick Ganter Scholarship.