Fred L. Verno
- On September 26, 2023
- 6 Comments
83 years young, Fred, of Kathy and Fred, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2023 surrounded by his epically marvelous children.
Son of Joseph and Eva Mills Verna and brother of Virginia Verno, Sherry Csikari, Joe Verna, and Phyllis Fire, Fast Freddie was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While serving in the Army, he was deployed to Germany, where he may or may not have sung with Elvis. Afterward, he returned to the Steel City to begin a lifelong career in sales.
In 1969, the South Hills’ most eligible bachelor met and married Kathy Walton. They spent the next 54 years raising their four children and menagerie of pets in Bethel Park.
Tart was a lifetime member of Windover Hills United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir. He was an avid fisherman and loved nothing more than taking to the lakes of Canada with his father and brother-in-law, Tom, with their motley crew in tow. He also loved tending to his summer garden, jogging, playing racquetball, and playing guitar. His karaoke parties were unmatched, though the question still remains whether or not he played well with others during family game nights. In his later years, he could be found with his toes in the sand and beer in hand alongside his family at the Outer Banks.
His greatest passion was Pittsburgh sports, and his perfect Sunday afternoon was sitting at the bar he built watching the Steelers with his family. (And kindly, ever so gently arguing the same point back and forth with his son.)
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Virginia and Sherry, and brother Joe.
He is survived by wife Kathy of Kathy and Fred, daughter Cassandra (Christian) Falkenstein of Upper St. Clair, son Ron (Danielle) Verno of Charleroi, daughter Krista (Robert) Pratley of Baldwin Borough, and son Justin (Jennifer) Verno of Baldwin Borough. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren David (Lindsay), Sara, Jeff, Meghan, Ian, Sam, Olivia, Max, and Ada, as well as great-grandchildren Juliette and Jad, and a host of extended family and dear friends.
Private services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please pour your favorite beverage and raise your glass to this G*ddamn Champion.
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