Final Salute

Frederick (Fred) Erwein Bausch, 85, passed away peacefully in Livonia, NY, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 23, 1941, in Cortland, NY, he was the son of the late Florence (King) and Erwein Bausch.

Fred came of age roaming the hills of Castle Creek, NY, hunting and fishing alongside his beloved dog and life-long pals. Following high school, Fred proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee, with stations in San Francisco, Midway Islands, and Hawaii. While home on leave, he met the love of his life and lifelong partner, Mary Chandler. The two were wed on February 28, 1963, and shared many beautiful years of marriage together.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, Fred moved his family to Walden, NY, where he began a dedicated 35-year career with New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG). In 1970, seeking the quiet, rural lifestyle he loved, he transferred to Chateaugay, NY. He settled his family on the East Road in Burke, where he and Mary raised their three children. Fred frequently shared vibrant stories with his family about days on the job as a lineman. He passed his knowledge of chainsaws, rigging techniques and climbing on to his three grandsons, often challenging them to friendly climbing competitions in jest.

Following his retirement from NYSEG, Fred continued to serve his community as a school bus driver for Chateaugay Central School. He thoroughly enjoyed his daily routine, swapping stories over morning coffee with his co-workers at the bus garage and getting to know the students on his route.

An avid and passionate outdoorsman, Fred was truly at home in nature. He spent countless hours fly fishing, trapping, traditional bow hunting, and rifle hunting. After the children were grown, Fred also took up motorcycling, developing a deep passion for the open road. He and Mary became active members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association of Vermont, traveling together and exploring the country as much as they could.

Fred was deeply involved in his community and held long-time memberships with the Chateaugay Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, the Elks Lodge, the American Legion, the Chateaugay Fish and Game Club and was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association.

Above all his accomplishments, Fred was a loyal family man who cared deeply for his wife and children. His grandchildren brought him immense joy; he was always their proudest spectator, whether watching them play sports or performing in the school band. He loved making them laugh, intentionally saving his very best practical jokes to play on his granddaughters.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Bausch of Burke, NY; his children, Mike (Barb) Bausch of Livonia, NY, Lauri Bausch of Charlotte, NC, and Tanya (Bryan) Selvaag of Tampa, FL; his cherished grandchildren, Amanda (Josh) Grant of Hickory, NC, Alex Stalter of Honeoye, NY, Christopher Bausch (Andrea Fazzolari) of Hemlock, NY, Abigail Black of Charlotte, NC, Lauren (Sean) McCarthy of Port Saint Lucie, FL, Chad (Cheyenne) Stalter of Naples, NY, and Molly Black (Billy Andrews) of New Castle, England; and his adored great-grandchildren, Ezra, Grey, Myla, Easton, Hazely, Oaklyn, Briar, Cedar, and River. He is also survived by many extended family members, neighbors, and close friends.

A graveside service will take place at 11:00 am at the North Burke Cemetery on Saturday, August 15, 2026. A celebration of life will follow immediately after the service at the Chateaugay American Legion.

Arrangements are with the Chateaugay Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at www.chateaugayfuneralhome.com.