Frederick L. Stives, Jr., 79, of 85 Wellsville Street, Bolivar, passed away Monday, January 6, 2025 after a short illness.
Born on December 31, 1945, in Wellsville, he was the son of Frederick and Beulah Cole Stives, Sr. On October 14, 2006, at the Bolivar Country Club he married the former Ella M. Slocum, who survives.
Fred was a graduate of Bolivar Central School Class of 1964. While in high school he was a three sport athlete and played football one season with a broken arm. He attended Alfred Tech. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967.
When he returned to Bolivar he went to work for the former Clark Brothers in Olean holding various positions from March 8, 1965 until his retirement on December 31, 2008.
Fred was active in the Bolivar Community for many years. He was a life member and past commander of the Kenyon Andrus American Legion Post 772, was a former Village of Bolivar Patrolman and Village of Bolivar Town Justice. He was also a past commander of the Allegany County American Legion, served as the 8th District Vice Commander of the American Legion, was past Chief of the Bolivar Fire Department, and Bolivar Rescue Squad.
As an avid sports fan he coached football, softball, and little league. He was season ticket holder for the St. Bonaventure Men’s Basketball and the Buffalo Bills for many years. He also followed the Chicago Cubs and attended many sporting events of the Bolivar Richburg teams, but the girl’s softball team held a special place in his heart.
There wasn’t a vacation or place that Fred went where he didn’t know someone. He always enjoyed conversing with his friends, going to auctions, hosting yard sales, or attending the Springville auction and delivering the purchases his friends requested. Each year he looked forward to attending the Erie County Fair and horse pulls, and let’s not forget an occasional trip to the casino. Spending time with his family was always especially important to him and he always brought the relish tray personalized for the occasion.
In addition to his wife Ella, he is survived by
A Son Billy Stives Belmont
A Daughter Donna (Kevin) Ewing Wellsville
Two Granddaughters Madison Ewing and Kennedy Ewing
Two Brother-in-Laws Dave (Cheryl) Slocum Wellsville
Ed (Suzanne) Slocum Little Genesee
A Sister-in-law Karen Slocum Wellsville
Many Nieces and Nephews
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister and brother in law Shirley (Dana) Bradford, and his lifelong best friend Charlie Hahn.
Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 554 S. Main Street, Bolivar, on Sunday, January 12, 2025 from 1-4 P.M. and on Monday, January 13, 2025 from 11:00 A.M. until Noon. The Rev. David Herne will officiate a funeral service beginning at Noon in the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bolivar-Richburg Sports Booster, c/o Alice Hackett, 100 School Street, Bolivar, New York 14715. Please note on the donation to be used for the softball team.
Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.
