Frederick Ashman 1930 ~ 2021

Frederick George Ashman (November 5, 1930-June 7, 2021) has passed away at the age of 90. He valiantly endured beyond his own predicted lifespan of 88 years, which was based, whimsically, on there being 88 keys on the piano. Fred was born in Branford, Connecticut to Frederick and Alice Ashman. He had three sisters, Ruth La Montagne, Florence Lyman, and Isabel Epps; and one brother, William (Bill). Ruth and Bill preceded him in death. He attended prep school at Suffield Academy. He then attended college at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, where he earned his degree in English and met his wife of 64 years, Marge, who predeceased him. Service in the US Army took him and Marge to Germany, where they had their first child, James. Shortly thereafter, they settled in New Jersey, where Fred taught English to middle- and high-school level students in Moorestown. They had two more children, Paul (aka Grink) and Susan (aka Sue J). Fred worked other side-jobs to ensure yearly family vacations, visiting relatives and camping while seeing the country. He went back to school to earn his Masters in English while the family was still young. Fred loved to give to others. He was affiliated with several charities. He and Marge spent time cuddling and rocking babies born with AIDS. They volunteered many years with their favorite organization, CONTACT, a crisis helpline. Fred joined the Zipper Club following triple-bypass surgery, which called for him to talk to others recovering from this very traumatic operation. Fred was on a life-long quest for connection with others, justice, and knowledge. He devoured books until the last few days of his life. He enjoyed music, as well. Fred is survived by his three remaining siblings; his children, James, and his wife, Irene; Susan, and her husband, Tim; and Paul; his grandchildren Mariama, Arnold, Heather, Noah, Marjorie (Shiko), and Trevor; and several nieces and nephews, including Mary Bradway.