Frederick J. Avitto

Frederick J. Avitto January 3, 1951 – July 27, 2025. Frederick J. Avitto, affectionately known as “Big Fred,” passed away suddenly on July 27 in Staten Island, at the age of 74. Fred was the beloved husband and best friend of Frances (Fran) Avitto. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in love, laughter, and service to the church and the community. He was the proud father of John and his wife Megan, Joseph and his wife Jeanne, Francesca and her wife Kate, Fred and his wife Amy, and James and his wife Maggie. His greatest joy in life was being “Pop” to his adored grandchildren: Freddie, Emily, Michael, John, Gabriella, Kevin, Noah, Christian, Nicholas, and Claudia. He also leaves behind his loving brothers-in-law Frank and Louis, and his sister-in-law Christine. Fred spent his entire career as a steel salesman and was jokingly known as “The Steel Man” to his kids. He truly loved what he did and worked until the day he passed. A life of service came naturally to Fred. Alongside Fran, he led the Boy Scouts at St. Clare’s Parish since the 1980s, taught CCD classes, and served faithfully as a Eucharistic Minister. His commitment to his faith and community was unwavering. Fred’s love for baseball was lifelong. Besides being such an avid Mets fan and not missing a game, he was quite the player as well. Fred played baseball during his entire childhood. Then, as an adult, in the 1980s, played on the S.I. A’s softball team with his cousins and brothers-in-law. They went undefeated winning multiple league championships. He also played on the S.I. Orioles after that; also playing alongside family once again. After a 25-year hiatus from the game, he started playing competitive men’s softball again in 2002 at the age of 51 as he was a cofounder of the S. I. Dodgers. He would go on to play over 20 years with the Dodgers playing into his early 70s with his sons, brother-in-law, cousins, other family members, and close friends who became family. Big Fred was a cornerstone on the mound and at third base for many years on the Dodgers; including being a big part of a run of 6 consecutive championships for his team. Fred also coached all five of his children’s sports teams in various sports; baseball, softball, and basketball. But above all else, Fred’s heart belonged to his grandchildren. There was no greater joy in his life than being with them, and the love they shared was truly unmatched. To know Fred was to know kindness, generosity, and humor. He was the man who would drop everything to help a friend - or a stranger. He loved telling dad jokes, making people laugh, and spreading joy wherever he went. There wasn’t a soul who didn’t love Fred Avitto. Fred lived a life centered around family. Every moment spent with them was cherished. He will be remembered as the most devoted husband, a loving father, and an incredible grandfather. Fred Avitto was pre-deceased by his mother and father, Annette and John Avitto, as well as his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Gertrude and Joseph Messina and his brother-in-law, Joseph Messina. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:30 PM on Friday at St Clare Church located at 110 Nelson Ave Staten Island, New York 10308. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island, NY. The family will receive friends from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York.

Frederick J. Avitto

January 3, 1951 - July 27, 2025