Frederick Bilyeu

ALBANY - Frederick Eugene Bilyeu, 89, of Albany died peacefully on March 2, 2014 at the Stratton Veterans Administration Medical Center. He was born at home in Baldwinsville, N.Y. on June 1, 1924 to Milton and Lucia Bilyeu. He was a graduate of Baldwinsville Academy. A combat veteran of WWII with the 3rd Cavalry, Fred was one of Gen. Patton's "Ghost Troops." He was predeceased by his beloved wife Velva Henrietta Kreis in 1997. He is survived by his two daughters, Sandra Bilyeu Block of Davie, Fl and Donna Meixner (Peter) of Delmar, his sister Doris Warner of Baldwinsville, NY, six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. He was also predeceased by his brother Milton Bilyeu and two sisters, Helen Griffin and June Klasmeir. After discharge from the Army, Fred completed a formal carpentry apprenticeship and in his long working life was a house builder, decorator, paint and wallpaper merchant and cabinet maker. He was also a creative gardener. He was extremely proud of his military service, his life's work and his family. His life was a lesson in love, respect and integrity for everyone who knew him. His daughters are very thankful for the loving care he received by the staff of the Stratton VA Medical Center and the friends he made among the residents of Bayside Apartments in Brewerton, NY and St. Sophia Apartments in Albany. A private family memorial service will be held in Syracuse in the spring.