Frederick Macaluso

Frederick "Fred" Macaluso of Philadelphia passed away peacefully, surrounded by the family who loved him beyond words. A kind, loving, and generous soul, Fred would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation. He was as strong in heart as he was in body; a protector, a friend, and a father who lived for his children.

He had that unmistakable deep voice that could fill any room. With his trademark thick Italian mustache, kind eyes, and a smile that put people at ease, he carried a presence you never forgot. A proud, strong, muscular man with legendary calf muscles (we always looked at them as otherworldly) and a love for the weight room when he was a teen, he could toss 150 pounds over his head-"with one arm," he'd always say-like it was nothing.

Fred's love for Florida began when he was young, taking road trips from Philly with his cousins and friends; later, he made those drives with his wife and, eventually, their three children in tow. In the early 1960s he showed his strength and courage when he saved the life of a woman who had fallen and split her head open on the Seven Mile Bridge-an act that captured his instinct to help without a moment's hesitation. The woman's husband was forever grateful and later offered Fred a job in Las Vegas as a casino dealer; true to who he was, Fred chose family.

A South Philly original, Fred had a few hidden talents, starting with his love of drawing. At nine years old he entered a school art contest, drawing George Washington with his men and horses crossing the Delaware River. He won, and his piece was displayed at Woolworth's on Broad Street for a full year. Years later, encouraged by his wife, he entered a TV Guide art contest; his drawing of Jackie Gleason won and caught the attention of Walt Disney Studios, who sent a recruiter to offer him a job with their animation team. But Fred chose to stay close to family and continue the life he was building-another quiet testament to his loyalty and heart. Later, he began creating on the computer, using just a mouse to craft stunning digital landscapes and pictures of homes and nature, each one filled with imagination, precision, and love.

Fred was the local dart-throwing champion and a billiards champion as well. He was also the proud founder of South Philly Roofing, later known as Fred Macaluso Roofing Co. That legacy continues today through his family, serving the Philadelphia and New Jersey areas with the same pride and craftsmanship he built it on.

Fred was an avid hunter and fisherman-never missed a shot. His love for nature was clear. All his hard work afforded him the ability to buy a home "up the mountains," where he made new friends and countless memories to cherish. All of his loved ones were welcome anytime.

He loved to travel, making countless memories for his family and inviting extended family and friends along for the adventures-the more the merrier.

Fred had so much love for all of his family and extended family, especially his wife of 60 years, and his three children-Freddy, Joey, and Lori Ann-who were the center of his world.

Fred is survived by his devoted wife, Diane Macaluso; his sons Fred ("Reyes") Macaluso and Joey (Nancy) Macaluso; his beloved daughter Lori Ann Milone and son-in-law Vincent Milone; and his grandchildren Vinny Milone, Nicky Milone, Emily Milone, Tiffany Macaluso, and Renee Macaluso. He is also survived by his brother, Raymond Macaluso; and by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family-too many to name-each dearly loved.

He'll be remembered for his deep voice, his creativity, his strength, and those kind eyes-eyes that could put the world at ease. A South Philly cowboy through and through, Fred Macaluso lived big, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy that will never fade.