Frederick C. Staunch Sr., 73, of Sharpsville passed away on Monday, September 10, 2018, in his home.

Mr. Staunch was born May 3, 1945, in Sharpsville, a son of the late August Staunch, Sr. and Edna (Maykowski) Staunch. He was a 1963 graduate of Sharpsville High School and attended Youngstown State University, where he played basketball.

Fred, affectionately known as "Freddy the Crop Duster", knew at a young age that he wanted to become a pilot. He did just that, becoming a pilot at the age of 18. Fred never thought of flying as a job because of the love he had for it. He was employed as an aerial applicator in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas and in North East Louisiana. Fred was a designated FAA pilot flight examiner, as well as a commercial pilot flight instructor. He was a recipient of the Flight Instructor of the Year award, and also earned the Gold Seal Flight Instructor from the FAA, which is how the FAA recognizes the best in the industry. He achieved many ratings throughout his career, which are too numerous to mention.

With his fun loving nature, Fred always kept you on your feet laughing with his jokes, pranks, and magic tricks. His favorite past time was gathering around a bonfire with friends and family to tell stories and have a drink. If you were lucky, he'd pull out the accordion and play various polkas, which he learned to play when he was only six years old.

Remember Fred by doing a good deed for a friend or neighbor today.

He is survived by his wife, the former Sandra Smith, whom he married on November 25, 1967; a daughter, Dr. Deanna Thomas and her son James, Sharpsville; two sons, Frederick Staunch, Jr. and his wife Rhonda and their children, Claire, Mack and Luke, Sharpsville; and Doug staunch and his wife Holly and their sons, Tyler, Ryan and Riley, Ft. Myers, FL; a sister, Patricia Tellega, Hermitage; and a brother, August Staunch, Jr., Mercer.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Sharpsville Booster Club, Po Box 193, Sharpsville, PA 16150.

There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at a later date.