Fred Z. Neff, 85, of Baldwinsville, NY, passed away on September 3, 2025.

Born in 1940, in Hazleton, PA, Fred was the son of Theodore and Margaret Neff. He graduated from Hazleton High School in 1957 and served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1966, achieving the rank of Electronic Technician First Class.

Fred earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 1965 and a Master of Science degree from Syracuse University in 1972. He enjoyed a 35-year career in engineering and management with General Electric and later Lockheed Martin, working in Utica, Valley Forge, and Syracuse. A recognized expert in microelectronics, Fred contributed to the design and development of numerous integrated circuits, as well as thin and thick film analog, digital, power, and microwave circuits. He retired in 1999.

Known for his unwavering loyalty to the blue and white, he was a Penn Stater through and through. He could always be found wearing his favorite Nittany Lions gear, ready to greet any fellow fan with a proud 'We Are".

An avid sportsman throughout his life, Fred had a deep passion for hunting and fishing, particularly bird hunting. He raised and trained several beloved Labrador Retrievers. He served as president of the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen for a total of 11 years and was a vice-president of the New York State Conservation Council. In 1996, he was inducted into the NYS Outdoorsman Hall of Fame. And in 2002, he was named Sportsman of the Year for his vision and leadership in establishing the Habitat Access Stamp to support conservation projects across NY State.

Fred was also a dedicated member of St. Mary's Parish in Baldwinsville, where he served faithfully as a lector and usher for many years.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 51 years, Melva, in 2017. Fred is survived by their three children: Stephen (Brenda) Neff, Matthew (Hailey) Neff, and Deborah (Michael) Smiley; and by seven cherished grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Calling hours will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 am on Saturday, September 13 at Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer St., Baldwinsville. A Funeral Mass will follow at Noon at St. Mary's Church in Baldwinsville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the NYS DEC at, https://www.naturalheritagetrust.org/dec-central