Rotterdam, NY – Federico Saburro was welcomed into his eternal home after 92 years of living life to its fullest, surrounded by his family. Freddie loved life and he loved people even more. He is called a legend – the backbone of the Union – and a man with a giant heart who would give you the shirt off his back.
Freddie was the 13th child born to Federico and Filomena Rosamina Saburro on February 13, 1927. He would often say that he was the luckiest man alive. Freddie enlisted in the Navy with the members of his baseball team on January 29, 1945.
All 14 returned home safely after the war. He was camera operator, crew chief, lighting director and jack of all trades behind the scenes at WRGB- the first television station in the nation. He joined the union when he began there in 1952 and was a tireless champion of NABET Local 21.
He served as shop steward, Vice President and then President for 25 years. He was elected Vice President of Region 2 of the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians-Communications Workers of America and served 14 consecutive terms before retiring at the age of 90. He is among one of the longest tenured members of the Union.
Freddie often held more than two jobs and was most fond of his teaching job at Woodlawn Middle School. More than anything, Freddie loved Ida May, his wife of 48 years. His love of Ida inspired the romantic in everyone.
Together they had ten children—his, hers and ‘Muffin’ the family poodle. This crew he would affectionately refer to as the United Nations: Fred Saburro (Hyacinth), David Saburro (Deborah), John Saburro (Connie), William Saburro (Debbie), Anthony Saburro (Elizabeth), Cindy Rozell (Edward II), Mark Edwards, Kim Pallone (John), Tina Rogers (Ron) and Karen Edwards-D’Alessandro (Christian). Freddie adored his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was a Northside Little League Coach for his sons, initiator of the PE Program at St. Anthony’s School and the loudest fan at his grandkids’ sporting events. He had an endless supply of love for every member of his family and any new addition. Freddie loved the Yankees, the New York Giants, the sports pages, playing golf on sunny days with his buddies of the Canali’s Golf League, poker nights, Turning Stone Casino, Atlantic City, Las Vegas and Sunday dinner.
He adored his abundance of siblings, nieces, nephews and all members of his extended family. His love and loyalty to his Union Family cannot be quantified. Freddie’s booming voice and vibrant spirit will be missed by all.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday May 18, 2019 from 12:00-2:00 at DeMarco Stone Funeral Home 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam, NY. A memorial service will immediately follow at 2:00pm. Interment with military honors will be at a later date at the Saratoga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The NABET-CWA Scholarship Fund. Please make checks payable to: NABET-CWA Scholarship Fund in honor of Freddie Saburro.
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