Senior Lifetime Achievement Awards
Frederick L. Coombs
Slingerlands NY
DOB:
July 10, 1905
Deceased: January 1999
Nominated by: Virginia C. Moore
Organization:
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Early
Accomplishments: Frederick L. Coombs was born in Brunswick, New York, outside of Troy.
His father was a Presbyterian minister, and the family moved frequently from
church to church, hence his elementary education was spread out over several
schools. He graduated from Ballston Spa High School and earned his bachelor's
degree from Amherst College in 1927. In his younger years he was an excellent
baseball pitcher and tennis player.
Family:
In Manchester, Vermont Fred met Florence Philipsen who became his beloved wife
and partner for 58 years until her death in 1989. Fred and Florence were the
parents of one son. Currently there are three granddaughters, six great-grandsons,
and one greatgranddaughter.
Career:
He taught school for two years in Manchester, Vermont. Fred began to work
with New York Telephone Company in 1929. He also joined the National Guard and
served in the General
Staff Corps with the rank of Lt. Colonel. In 1940, he was called into National
Service and underwent strenuous training. During the war he was sent to
California. After the war, Fred returned to the New York Telephone Company where
he rose through the ranks in the business arena. He began as a representative
and retired as a commercial supervisor. Rates and tariff matters were a part of
his heavy agenda. He also remained for a time in the Army Reserve, where he was
promoted to the rank of Full Colonel and retired at age 60 in 1965. Fred retired
from the Telephone Company in 1970.
Volunteer
Activities: In
community life and retirement, Fred has
been busy. He is very active in the Westminster Presbyterian Church, where
he has served as Deacon, Elder, and on various committees. He was recognized in
1997 as a fifty-year member of the church. Fred has served on the board of
the YMCA; as president of the InterChurchmen's Fellowship; president of the
Monarch Club; delivered blood and served on the bloodmobile of the American Red
Cross. He is a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and AARP. Recently
Mr. Coombs placed second in a golf putting contest for Beverwyck residents.
Other: Fred
continues to enjoy good music, theater, bridge and chess.