Mr. Frederick J. Maurer

Dad would have done anything he could to help anyone. I couldn't have asked for a better father and wish that he could have lived forever.

I don't know how we will find this place without Pop pop giving us directions to get there. We miss you a lot already Pop pop.

Pop-Pop was the best grandfather anyone could have asked for. He was caring, generous, and never asked for anything. I will never forget all of his sayings and his words of wisdom. He'll be missed by anyone that ever had the privilege of knowing him.

He always made one feel at ease and was interested in what everyone had to say. He was a true gentleman and I am glad I knew him. I enjoyed exchanging yearly Christmas cards with him.

Though I've been far away for many years now, Mr Maurer always kept track of Jim, Clare and I...by mail or email or Facebook. One fond memory of Harvard Road ... Summertime evening with the windows open, my dad's snoring coming from one side of the street, Mr Maurer's coming from the other!? God Bless the Maurer family...Fred was a special man, and we will miss him, too.

As my tears fall for the Mayor of Harvard Road there are so many joyous memories one is of a day Mike was was working on his car in our driveway which was across the street and on a hill parking brake releaced and we all watched and laughed as the car, with Mike trying to stop it, rolled across the street and took out the prettiest little pine tree. Fred never let him forget it . I know he'll have a Merry Christmas with his bride Ellen Blessings to all the Maurers Sue

Through the website for the USS Canberra (my dad, Leo Shea, also served in the Navy on the USS Canberra, but he and Fred never met) I made contact with Fred. I am so pleased to say that Fred became my friend thru e-mails and occasional phone calls. And we did get to meet two years ago. Fred was a fantastic writer, and through his e-mails I felt I got to know Mary Ellen, Fred, Janice and their children. Fred was so proud of his family. Fred also introduced me to the music of Celtic Thunder. If Fred didn't hear from me every few days, he became worried. If I didn't hear from him for a few days, I would know that something was wrong. Unfortunately too often this fall I didn't hear from Fred because he was hospitalized. And I missed his e-mails. Fred, I am honored to have had you as a special friend, someone I could count on to brighten my days. I will so miss your e-mails. I know you are at peace, and with your beloved Ellen. As I would often conclude an e-mail, Love from your Saratoga Friend, Marilyn

PopPop, thank you for taking us to all the places we wanted, and now, all the places we may not have at the time. Thank you for being so nice and genuine that all our friends who were lucky enough to meet you loved you, too. I'll always remember, and re-use, your signature catch phrases- hold the line, its comical, oh boy!!!! - but my favorites will always be the incredulous look and "huh!" when we did something you couldn't fathom, and Hiya Tiger!! You are and always will be missed and LOVED.

So sorry to hear about Freds death. He was a great friend I am very privileged to have known him. From all his family in Ireland

Dear Uncle Fred, Today was a very sad day and it is still hard to believe you are gone...but you will never be forgotten. Words cannot express how special you were to each one of us in the family. I will truly miss your stories and words of knowledge, my weekly phone calls to check on you making sure you are okay, our lunches and family gatherings...things will not be the same. But I know that we will meet again one day and I know that Nan, Pop Pop and my dad are so happy to see you. It was an honor and a priviledge to have you in our lives, Rest in Peace.

Tom Brokaw called them the "Greatest Generation. He said "they fought not for fame or recognition but because it was the right thing to do. They came home and built a superpower!!" No one exemplifies this generation's character as well as Frederick Maurer and to me Pop Pop. He lived his life for his family and especially his beloved Ellen. He did whatever it took to make sure his family was safe, familiar with his life's experiences, and making the right decisions. He had an incredible work ethic. If a friend needed him, he would make time to fix a car, give directions, or put in a sink. Whenever, we saw him he had photos of his latest adventures, whether the Irish relations, a Navy event, or just an update on a distant cousin. He spent months working on an amazing scrapbook to tell the story of his ship, the U.S.S. Canberra, to us and the families of his shipmates. It became a full-time commitment so we could all share in this experience. We had countless dinners, where he would help me to put life in perspective from a classic and experienced mindset. He loved his freedom to live life to the fullest and we thank his selfless neighbors who helped to make that happen. He loved his family, church, navy reunions, long drives to favorite restaurants, neighbors, and friends at local diners. In a time, where we expect so many things and take so much for granted, we should all admire the simplicity and greatness for which our grandfather, father, uncle, and friend lived his life. He has left an incredibly positive model to believe in and follow. In this case, the best man triumphed. We should all be incredibly proud of all of his accomplishments and the legacy Frederick Maurer and his "Greatest Generation" have built.

He is the best grandfather anyone could ask for - from stories to hugs and so much more. The stories his friends and family have shared over the last dew days have helped comfort me so much. I am so sad my baby will never meet him, but I will be sure they know all about him. I love you, PopPop, and I miss you.