Obituary of Frederick H. Morse

MINERVA:  Frederick H. Morse Sr., 94, of State Route 28N, Minerva, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, February 27, 2026, with his loving family by his side.

Fred was born on June 23, 1931, in Minerva to the late Harry and Hazel (Warren) Morse. He graduated from Olmstedville High School and was later drafted into the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge, Fred returned home to Minerva and began working at Norm Hall’s Garage in Minerva.

After working at Norm Hall’s Garage, Fred went independent and opened Morse Auto Body on Route 28N in Minerva, where the shop soon became well known throughout upstate New York as the business excelled. In addition to his professional success, Fred was dedicated to the community, serving on the Minerva Central School Board, the Town Council, and as Town Supervisor for over ten years. He was also an active member of the Minerva Baptist Church and a past member of the Minerva Volunteer Fire Department. Morse Auto Body remained open until a few years ago, when declining health forced him to stop working, marking the end of an era in the community.

Fred met the love of his life, Rose Marie Sheehan, whom he married on March 16, 1958. They shared 63 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2021.

Fred’s love for music inspired him to learn the violin by ear, and he often played for the Minerva Meal Site. He took great pride in caring for members of the community through his leadership or through his generosity in helping them with their vehicles. He was well known for saying, “The first one is always on me,” referring to assisting young drivers experiencing their first roadside mishap with his towing and recovery service.

Fred is predeceased by his parents, Harry and Hazel Morse; his loving wife, Rose; grandson Chad Michael Herberger; sisters Evelyn Parker, Ada Foote, Marion Smith, and Bertha McNally; and brothers Morton Morse and Douglas Morse.

Fred is survived by his children: Geraldine (Desmond) Hitchcock of North Creek, NY; Linda (James) Herberger of Canal Fulton, OH; Frederick Jr. (Sue) Morse of North Creek, NY; and William "Bill" Morse of Johnstown, CO; sister Effie J. McNally of Olmstedville, NY; grandchildren Rob (Lindsay) Herberger of Columbus, OH, Kyle Hitchcock of Olmstedville, NY, Justin (Maggie) Herberger of Cleveland, OH, Eric (Andrea) Hitchcock of Utica, NY, Tyler (Darlene) Morse of Queensbury, NY, and Kendyl (John) Matson of Glens Falls, NY; and great-grandchildren Luke Hitchcock, Evelyn and James Herberger, Chloe Herberger, and Landon and Preston Morse.

Fred’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Fred and Rose’s caregiver, Loretta Galusha, whose kindness, compassion, and devoted care meant so much to them and their family.

Fred will be brought home for a private family service prior to a celebration of life to be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Minerva Community Center, 5 Morse Memorial Highway, Minerva, NY, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Fred will be laid to rest with military honors in the spring, reunited beside his beloved wife at Minerva Baptist Cemetery.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guest book.