Obituary of Samuel Fede

Cheshire Samuel P. Fede, 94, departed this world Monday June 30, 2008 at St. Marys Hospital. He was a longtime resident of Cheshire having moved his family from Town Plot into the home he built board by board in 1953 on property formerly owned by the Musso Family Orchards and before the trees were cleared for subsequent street paving. At age 94, he was the last surviving member of the nine children of Corrado and Filomena (Musso) Fede in the familys first American-born generation. Born in Birmingham, Alabama on March 10, 1914 his early love for music was expressed as a member in choirs of several denominations simultaneously in the 1920s as the church of his familys faith was not easily available in Alabama at that time. In mingling with people of various beliefs he experienced Gods love for all his beings and there upon enjoyed great fellowship with all Christs children all his life. After the 1929 crash, the family relocated in Waterbury where Sam met his bride, Adeline Divigard, whose family operated a popular bakery specializing in bread. Married in 1937 at the original wooden St. Lucys Church, they were inseparable for 67 years until the passing of his beloved and devoted sweet Adeline in 2004. They had three children, Sandra Fede of Cheshire and Jannett Fede of Los Angeles, both of whom devoted great time and energy to assure the best comfort possible for Sam in his final decade of life. He was pre-deceased in 1976 by his son, Anthony, who was and is most missed by his immediate family and all who knew him. Sam is survived by one Grandson, Brett Fede Conrey, two Great Grandchildren, Casey Conrey and Mrs. Chelsie Kern and one great great granddaughter Brylie Jean Kern, all of Indiana. He also leaves more than two dozen nephews and nieces and a like number of great nephews and nieces. Sam had fond recollectances of the Alabama, Texas and Virginia cousins and in-laws in New Jersey and New York and the many friends locally whom he held dear. Sam was Valedictorian of Crosby High School in 1932, attended Waterbury State Tech and was technically well read. Employed by Lux Clock Manufacturing Company, the forerunner to Robert Shaw-Lux Clock, he worked his way up from errand boy to Supervisor over a forty year span. During the War, Sam Fede was instrumental in design, assembly and quality control of critical timing devices for the War Department. He was awarded the Presidential E for Excellence in recognition of his efforts. After his shifts were concluded, he often cooked in the Lux Cafeteria so food would be available to those on second shift. He and his wife, Adeline, were co-captains of their Civil Defense Block. While living in Town Plot, he attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church where he was a major fundraiser for the building of the church and Mount Carmel School. He was been a member of the Basilicia of the Immaculate Conception since 1953. After his retirement, he was contracted by Robert Shaw-Lux Clock to assist in function design, installation process and specialty hiring for new plants constructed at various locations around the United States. After retirement, he worked for Venus Manufacturing, a local maker of security devices, and for California Aero Company, as a FAA Compliance Inspector of altimeters. During the Depression and the War, Sam hunted game to put fresh meat on the table for his family and neighbors in times of shortage and ration cards. Sam Fede was a founding member of the Cheshire Volunteer Fire Company II which covers Cheshires west side, attaining the position of Fire Lieutenant during the course of his service in the 1950s and 1960s. He was a member of the Naturalists Society where he served as Treasurer. He enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening and was a bird watcher. He and his wife were members of the Cheshire Senior Center and the Gadabouts Traveling Club. His most current residence was the Cheshire House Nursing Facility in Waterbury. While there he was active in exercise, Physical Therapy, Yoga, Mens Club, painting and the group Rosary. He appealed to all to pray for peace to the Infant of Prague, the Prince of Peace. Sam enjoyed many forms of music but held special warmth in his heart for Dixieland. Even after three quarters of a century away from the Southland he spoke in a gentle, Southern pace with a charming drawl. Arrangements Funeral services will be held on Thursday 11 a.m. at the Basilicia of the Immaculate Conception Church in Waterbury. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Thursday morning at the Slater Funeral Home 242 S. Main St., Cheshire from 9:30 until the procession leaves for church.