Mr. Alfred "Fred" C. Syiek a resident of Andover from 1967 to 2014 and of North Andover since 2015 passed away April 23, 2019 surrounded by his family.
For the entirety of his life he was known as the man with the remarkable and uplifting smile.
Born in Worcester, MA on July 5, 1923, Fred was the beloved son of the late Charles S. and Nazira E. (Lian) Syiek. He was often referred to as the “delayed firecracker”. He was also predeceased by his beloved brothers George C. Syiek of Worcester, MA and Joseph C. Syiek of Concord, MA.
Fred was a proud graduate of Worcester North High School Class of 1942 and Worcester Polytech Institute (WPI) Class of 1948 where he received a BSEE.
In 1955, Fred met his loving wife Claire (Saltzman) while commuting via train from Worcester to Boston; and so began a love affair that lasted 59 years until his wife’s passing in 2014. They were married in Worcester in January, 1956 and went on to raise a family in Wilmington and Andover. He is survived his loving children; David A. Syiek and his wife Cathy A. Nader-Syiek of Pittsburgh, PA, Michael A. and his wife Bronwyn Syiek of Cheltenham, England, Diane L. and her husband Jeffrey W. Gwynne of North Andover, Dr. Linda J. Syiek and her husband Larry L. Streb of Andover and Paul A. and his wife Cherie A. Syiek of Norcross, Georgia. He is also survived by his sister in law, Shirley Syiek of Sebastapol, CA. Fred adored his 16 grandchildren; Daniel, Samantha, Gregory, Sarah, Yuriy, Ben, Karly, Timothy, Lindsey (Devin), Tyler (Laura), Sean, Madelyn, Nick, Julie, Jessica and Luke and many beloved nieces and nephews.
When asked what his greatest lifetime achievement was, without hesitation Fred answered raising five healthy college students. Fred found joy in helping his children and grandchildren, whether babysitting, playing checkers or cards, doing handyman projects, sharing a meal or ice cream, solving algebra problems or by quietly enjoying their company.
Fred began and ended his career with the New England Telephone Company in Boston. In 1948 he used his mathematical skills as a Depreciation Engineer and as he was recognized for his strong analytical skills, he was promoted to Marketing Supervisor for Economic Analysis for communication services. When he retired in 1982, he was the District Staff Manager responsible for performance and profitability of key telephone systems. Throughout his career he continued to pursue education in costing models for public utilities, taking courses at Iowa State and Stanford University.
Fred lived a life of selfless service not only to his family, but to his country and to his community. He put his college education on hold and voluntarily enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943. He was sent to boot camp training in Atlantic City and then to University of Chicago for two phases of Meteorology School to learn to give flight clearance for military planes. He later trained in Clinton, Ontario Canada in radar. He ended his WWII service at Camp Pinedale in California as a radio repairman. Fred later joined the reserves sponsored by the New England Telephone Co and was called to active duty in the 313th Signal Battalion in 1950. He was assigned to the 8075 Signal Unit in Seoul, Korea as a Field Radio Officer. He spent five years in the military in total, and for his service he was awarded a WWII Victory Medal, an American Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, a Korean Service Medal, two Bronze Stars and a United Nations Service Medal. Fred was a number’s man and he could always recite his military serial number 31262848 and the number on his jeep from Korea 20113011.
After retirement, Fred volunteered two years as an arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau and twenty-one years (1988-2008) as an AARP Tax Aide from at the Lawrence Senior Center, helping the elderly with their tax returns.
Fred was a gentle, loving, and honorable man. He cared for his parents, he loved talking and spending time with his brothers, his in-laws, and his nieces and nephews. He adored and provided for his wife, children and grandchildren. He served his country and his community. And with all he shared his infectious smile.
A funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, on at 11:30 AM on Thursday, April 25 . Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Calling hours will be held at the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover on, Thursday, prior to the mass. Interment will be held at St. Augustine Cemetery in Andover. Donations in Fred’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090 or online at www.alz.org.