Donald R. "Deejay" Fredenburg Jr.

It is with great sorrow and sadness that family, friends, fellow servicemen, State Police, and the community mourn the untimely passing of NYS Trooper Donald R. Fredenburg, Jr., age 23. Deejay went home to the Lord as he passed away unexpectedly at the Albany Medical Center after collapsing during training at the New York State Police Academy. Born in Utica on March 27, 1991, Donald was the son of Donald R. Fredenburg, Sr. and Joanne Cowley who shared a 30 year union. He was a graduate of T. R. Proctor High School/Class of 2009. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and in October of 2009 he graduated from boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina. He was subsequently stationed at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms in California; several tours of duty brought him to Japan and the Pacific Theater. Upon his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he returned to Utica where he furthered his education at M.V.C.C. earning an Associate degree in Criminal Justice. Deejay held firmly to the belief that “once a Marine, always a Marine” and he would remain "always faithful" to the Corps and to his country, no matter what. It was in his youth while our own country was invaded on 9/11 that he knew that he was destined to protect fellow Americans as a career. On November 1, 2014, Donald married his best friend, the former Angela Ciccolella; they were very much in love and they helped to develop each other’s character. He was a Processor at the Walmart Distribution Center from May of 2013 until his recent acceptance to the NYS Trooper Academy. Within this past week he took his oath and was a recruit at Basic School Training having great expectations of being part of an additional brotherhood. A man of great strength of character, Deejay was dependable and self-driven. He had the best smile and eyes that saw the world and envisioned his dreams. He attracted people into his life and had the blessing of many friends, always remembering his dear friend, Christopher Swider. He was altruistic and aspired to meet the needs of others. His greatest goal was to serve his family, his country, and his state. His proudest achievement was being accepted into the ranks of the New York State Troopers in order to serve, protect, and defend the people of New York State. Deejay was an All-American man --- he was goal-oriented and strived for success, he loved his job, and he displayed self-reliance, discipline, and a sense of responsibility. He embraced family traditions and spending time with loved ones. Those who knew him best knew that his satisfaction came from dark chocolate and sweet tea. His hobbies included riding his motorcycles, his dirt bikes, and bike riding of which recently he was accompanied by his two huskie-mixes; these canines were Rescue dogs which was an outward sign of Angela and his affection for animals. In earlier days, he had a feline named Baby who he fondly remembered. Deejay’s spirituality was deep in his soul and came from his Catholic faith. Donald is survived by his wife, Angela; his parents, Donald, Sr. and Joanne; and his brother, Adam Cowley, all of Utica; his mother-in-law, Judi M. Ciccolella and Doug Stoddard; brother-in-law, Nicholas Grieco; paternal grandparents, Lorraine and Barry Horne; and his maternal grandparents, Lansing and Roseann Cowley. Although he never met his wife’s grandparents, Rudy and Rose Ciccolella, he will come to know these two great people who will be waiting for and watching over him. He will also be remembered by his aunts, uncles, cousins; his godmother, Sharon Jacintho; his godchild, Gabriella “Gabbie” Nelson; his fellow brothers in the United States Marine Corps; and his best friends in Utica. He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Earl Fredenburg; and his uncles, Earl III, and Michael Fredenburg. The family is deeply grateful to the New York State Troopers, especially Major Coots, Sergeant Hopf, Major Smith, and Investigator Michael Slade and the EAP staff for their unending commitment to standing by the family during this untimely journey; and the physicians and ER staff at the Albany Medical Center for the dignity and compassionate care rendered to Deejay. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 3-7 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 2222 Genesee Street in Utica. The family will remain until visitors have been seen. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), or the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org); envelopes will be available at the church service. Deejay’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by co-celebrants Rev. Joseph Salerno and Rev. James Cesta. Full Honors will be conferred by the New York State Police and Military Honors by the United States Marine Corps. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. “Semper Fidelis”

Donald R. "Deejay" Fredenburg Jr.

March 27, 1991 - March 13, 2015