NORFOLK - A Mass of Christian Burial for Frederick J. "Fred" Baxter, 81, a resident of 1900 Sober Street, Norfolk, will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Visitation in Norfolk, with Rev. Raymond Moreau presiding. Burial will be held in the Visitation Cemetery following the services. Family and friends may call at the Buck Funeral Home in Norfolk on Monday evening, April 27, 2026 from 4-7 p.m. Mr. Baxter passed away peacefully in his sleep early Friday morning, April 24, 2026.

Fred is survived by his wife of 62 years, Virginia "Fran"; Norfolk; his four daughters, Christina and John Sullivan, Norwood; Cheryl and James Cole, Norwood; Zoe Baxter and husband William Hall, Woodstock, VA; Joann and Allen Ellis, Norfolk; his three beloved grandchildren, Jessica Sullivan, Gabrielle and Jacob Bader and Jordan Hall; great-granddaughter, Aubrey Bader and three brothers, James and Gail Baxter, Potsdam; Thomas and Ruth Baxter, Syracuse and William and Donna Baxter, Spencerport, NY as well as several nieces and nephews. Fred was pre-deceased by his parents John and Ethel, a brother Francis "Frank" Baxter and a sister MaryJo Murray.

Born in Potsdam, NY on September 26, 1944 to the late John O. and Ethel Thomas Baxter, Fred graduated from Potsdam Central School, Class of 1962. He married Virginia F. "Fran" Smithers on November 30, 1963. He continued his education, graduating from Potsdam State with a Masters Degree in Education. Fred worked as a Jr. High math teacher at the Massena Central School District for 30 years, retiring in 2000. Never one to stay idle, Fred loved spending time with his family and friends, enjoyed working and was always willing to help others. He owned and operated Baxter Construction for many years, allowing him to use his carpentry skills and keep busy, especially during the summer months. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching sports, horses, gardening, especially tending to his raspberry plants. Memorial donations in Fred's memory can be made to the St. Jude's Foundation and memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com . The Buck Funeral Home in Norfolk is serving the family of Frederick J. Baxter.