Frederick Selim Shehadi, Jr.

Frederick Selim Shehadi, Jr. passed away peacefully on Friday, May 17th at his home in Manchester, Vermont. Although it's hard to imagine our world without his presence, we are comforted to know he is where he wanted to be, reunited with his beloved wife, Carol. Born in Newark, New Jersey on September 26, 1932, Fred was the eldest child of Marie Merighi and Frederick S. Shehadi, Sr. and older brother to sisters Barbara and Gail. Raised in Maplewood, NJ, Fred attended Columbia High School and graduated from Bucknell University in 1954. Love at first sight is how it was described when Fred met Carol Francis Dunn at the Jersey shore in 1954. Together they raised five children and over 62 years of marriage created a loving and lasting family legacy that grew to include 15 grandchildren. After graduating from Bucknell Fred joined B. Shehadi & Sons in East Orange, NJ, an Oriental rug and carpet business started by his grandfather in 1900. Under Fred's dedicated and tireless leadership, B. Shehadi & Sons became one of the leading commercial flooring companies in the United States. Fred pioneered the use of modular carpet tiles in the commercial work space and championed the concept of "Added Value," through reinforcing his five cherished fundamentals: Preparation, Presentation, Execution, Follow Up and Follow Through. Fred was also a founding member of COMSPEC, the first national association for commercial flooring contractors. The Shehadi Company continues to thrive today in it's 119th year, with the 5th generation ready to join. Fred was dedicated to his alma mater Bucknell University, never forgetting the vital role Bucknell played in his formative years. He served on the Board of Trustees from 1989-1994 and established the Marie M. and Fred S. Shehadi, Sr. Family Scholarship, awarded annually to deserving student athletes. Fred took great pride in the Bucknell educations enjoyed by several of his children and grandchildren. In addition, Fred delighted in helping many other young adults in pursuing their Bucknell dreams. Fred and Carol were first and foremost, passionate about their family. Together they discovered the beautiful state of Vermont and ultimately moved their family to Pawlet in 1975. Their home became the central hub for epic family gatherings and celebrations. Fred was determined to share his passion for fishing, golf, tennis and skiing with his children and grandchildren. He relished creating opportunities for the family to gather and play, whether in Dorset, the mountains of Colorado, or the beaches of NJ and Florida. A lover of camaraderie and sportsmanship, Fred was an active and loyal member of the Dorset Field Club in Dorset, Vermont and Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples, Florida. Uncompromising attention to detail informed other passions in Fred's life including fine automobiles, architectural design, and enhancing the natural beauty of the land surrounding his Pawlet home. Fred also gained immense satisfaction from helping and supporting those who sought him out in times of need. He delighted in the positive results of his efforts, such as the recent restoration of St. Mary's Church in Granville, New York. Fred is survived by his children: Fred Shehadi III, Pawlet, VT.; David Shehadi and wife Becky, Dorset, VT.; Karen Shehadi Frost and husband Mike, Charlotte, VT.; John Shehadi Sr. and wife Michelle, Chatham, NJ.; and Lauren Shehadi Herbert and husband Bob, Dorset, VT. "Grandbear" is survived by his grandchildren: Kendall and Colin Frost; Sarah, Nina, David Jr., and Joseph Shehadi; Quinn, Drew, Hannah and Carol Herbert; Julia, John Jr., Olivia and William Shehadi; and Marina Ihasz. Fred is also survived by his sister, Barbara Shehadi Kitson, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much. Fred was predeceased by his wife Carol, his sister Gail Shehadi Cross, and brothers-in-law Bob Cross and Syd Kitson. Visiting hours will be held June 7th, 2019 at Brewster's Funeral Home, 34 Park Place. Manchester Center, VT. 05255 from 4-7pm. A celebratory Mass will be held June 8th at 11:30 am at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, 23 Bulkley Ave. Granville, NY 12832. Reception to follow at the Shehadi home: 1021 Rupert Hill Rd., Pawlet, Vermont. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Marie M. and Fred S. Shehadi Sr. Scholarship Fund. Bucknell Office of Annual Giving at Cooley Hall, 82 University Ave., Lewisburg, PA 17837 or Saint Mary's Catholic Church, 23 Bulkley Ave. Granville, NY 12832. Visiting hours will be held June 7th, 2019 at Brewster's Funeral Home, 34 Park Place. Manchester Center, VT. 05255 from 4-7pm. A celebratory Mass will be held June 8th at 11:30 am at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, 23 Bulkley Ave. Granville, NY 12832. Reception to follow at the Shehadi home: 1021 Rupert Hill Rd., Pawlet, Vermont.