Author: Saratoga TODAY

POWAY, CA — Frederick David Kuenzel, 90, passed away on September 25, 2022, at his residence in Poway, CA. 

Fred was born on September 1, 1932, in Port Jervis, NY to Louise Schultz Kuenzel and Charles Kuenzel. When Fred was a young child, his family moved to Saratoga Springs, NY.

Upon graduation from Saratoga Springs High School in 1950, Fred enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for two years during the Korean War.

After his service in the Air Force, Fred attended Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering. He later earned his master’s degree in Control Systems at UCSD.

In 1958, Fred married Carol Jerome Wicks of Canton, NY. They moved to Poway, CA in 1962 where they raised their three daughters Sarah, Beth, and Kathy. The family was active in the Community Church of Poway where Fred served as moderator. Fred was an avid runner. In the 1970’s and 80’s, he could frequently be seen running along the roads and trails throughout Poway. He ran many marathons in different locations around the country, including the Boston Marathon. Fred enjoyed traveling to national parks in his motorhome with Carol, where he had memorable experiences, such as climbing Half Dome in Yosemite and running to the base of the Grand Canyon and back up to the rim. He also enjoyed summer trips visiting friends and family in his hometown of Saratoga Springs.

Fred was an electrical engineer and joined General Dynamics in 1960 where he spent the vast majority of his career developing, improving and operating the Atlas rocket system. He held numerous management positions including Manager of Avionics Systems for the Atlas and Shuttle/Centaur programs, Program Manager for Modern Avionics, and Director of Avionics. He was a leader and mentor to many engineers. Fred was the Director of Atlas Engineering/Technical Management during a very critical time in the mid-1990’s when the Space Systems business was successfully moved from San Diego to Denver. After his time in Denver working for Lockheed Martin, he retired to Valley Center, CA in 1998. He was “thankful for the opportunity to participate in the exploration of our universe.”

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Wicks Kuenzel and their daughter, Elizabeth Kuenzel Snell. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Charles Kuenzel, his brothers, Charles Kuenzel and Robert Kuenzel, and his sister, Elizabeth Kuenzel O’Connell. 

Fred is survived by his daughters, Sarah Kuenzel Castner of Palomar Mountain, CA and Katherine Kuenzel Poulin (Robert) of Poway, CA and his grandchildren, Trevor, Lennay (Kory), Zackary, Elizabeth, and Abigail, and his great-grandchildren, Logan and Brody. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Shirley Fonda of Saratoga Springs and his cousin, Joan Kuenzel Attonito of Monroe, GA, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Constance M. “Connie” Bassani, 95, passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at the Saratoga Hospital.

Born July 2, 1927, in Carbondale, PA, she was the daughter of the late Paolo and Julia (Stirpe) Spaziani.

In 1944, Connie married Alfred Bassani in Atlanta, GA, and together they raised their family until his passing in 2013.

Connie was employed as a manager at Montgomery Ward in Oneonta for many years. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting blankets, and growing dahlias in her beautiful gardens. In her later years, Connie wrote poetry. Most of all, she will be remembered for her amazing presence and ability to make everyone smile and feel appreciated. She loved her children and grandchildren and was the type of mother that everyone wishes they had. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Connie is predeceased by her brothers Paul Spaziani, Alex Spaziani, and Angelo Spaziani, as well as her sisters Mary Sweeney and Jenny Gaspara.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Alfred Bassani Jr. (Elizabeth), Anne Bassani, and David Bassani (Robert Haren), her grandchildren Christina Bassani Drawdy and Alfred Bassani III (Brittany), her great-grandchildren Austin and Morgan Drawdy, and Blaise and Ava Bassani, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

At the request of the family, there will be no calling hours. Arrangements are in the care of the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward,
NY 12828.

A graveside service was celebrated on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd, Schuylerville, NY 12871. 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the residents and staff of Woodlawn Commons for their care and companionship. Connie was extremely happy while she lived there.

Memorial donations in Connie’s name can be made to Woodlawn Commons, c/o Activities Fund, 131 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.