Fortunato J. Pellicano, 81, an area resident for 57 years and formerly of Port Chester and Byram, died on February 26, 2018 at his home.

Born in Montreal, Canada on May 9, 1936, he was the son of Angelo and Teresa (Figaro) Pellicano. He graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a BA in Education. He also attended the ESCO Institute where he was certified in air conditioning and refrigeration. Fred was a Master Tool & Die Maker for Zierick Manufacturing in Mount Kisco. He retired in 2001 but then returned to teach the trade, retiring again in 2003. He had also worked as a tailor, was the owner and operator of Castle Tool Company where he built the first prototype for the widely used surgical stapling machine, and taught machine shop at Green Haven Correctional Facility.

Fred was a parishioner of St. Denis Church. He was an amateur radio operator “WB2SUH” and was a member of the Amateur Radio Relay League. He enjoyed building radio-controlled model airplanes and boats, fishing, and computers. He had a great sense of humor and will forever be remembered for the jokes he told. Fred traveled the world with his family and took great pride in his home and property.

On September 29, 1962 at St. Mary’s Church in Port Chester, Fred married Sheila (Murphy) who survives at home. He is also survived by his daughters, Hope Pellicano and Donna Umpenhour and her husband Scott; and his grandchildren, Tristan and Briana Umpenhour.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday at 10am at St. Denis Church, 602 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please visit Fred’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.

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