Frederick Tony Fosco passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on September 19, 1931, in Sandusky, Ohio, Fred lived a wonderful life, marked by an unwavering commitment to put others above himself with dedication to his family, country, and the Catholic Church.

After graduating from Sandusky High School in 1950, Fred proudly chose to serve in the U.S. Navy for 4 years during the Korean War. While aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS Leyte, he was offered an opportunity to go to dental tech school in Annapolis, Maryland, and after completion, he rejoined the ship in this new capacity. After returning home, Fred entered employment with Western & Southern Life Insurance Company where his love of people proved to be a strength in his advancement, eventually retiring after 32 years.

Fred deeply loved his family, and he enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and son who believed in family first. He is survived by Jo Ella, his loving wife of 68 years; their two children: Jeffrey (Jan) Fosco and Erika (Douglas) White; grandchildren, Kiersten Bowmer, Blake (Misty) Bowmer, Mitchell and Ethan Fosco; two sisters Dorothy Strasser and Virginia Solvino; sisters-in-law Barbara Fosco, Janette (Reggie) Mesenberg, Nora Johnson, Carol Fosco (James) Buderer; and many nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by parents George Fosco and Mary Nardozzo Fosco; sister Lucille Lazzara and brothers, George Fosco and Frank Fosco.

Fred had a servant’s heart for the Catholic Church and was a lector for a combined 50 years, including lecturing for funeral masses. He was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for approximately 30 years and in addition, brought Communion to the sick and shut-ins during that time.

Fred was an avid golfer. Beginning as a caddy at the Plumbrook Country Club in Sandusky, Ohio, during WWII, to being captain of his golf teams for over 30 years and winning many championship trophies, Fred took the game seriously, and even at the age of 90, he was beating his much younger opponents by many strokes. His saying was, “If God had made a better game, He would have kept it for Himself.” He relished the relationships that he made with his fellow golfers, and they rewarded him with naming the team after him when he could no longer play.

A true Patriotic man and fellow veteran advocate, Fred was a member of the VFW, AMVETS Post 26, Mansfield OH, and was a life member of the Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter #51, Mansfield, OH. Also, Fred built many wheelchair ramps for fellow veterans and handicapped people during his time with the Y-Men Service Club of Marion, Ohio, helping set-up the Y-Men Christmas tree lot for many years to generate the money to build the ramps. At Christmas time, he could be found playing his harmonica at various community locations and always looked forward to spreading the joy that the music would bring. Fred also believed wholeheartedly in the American Red Cross and their campaign to donate blood, and over the course of his life, he was 1 pint away from giving 20 gallons of his blood to his fellow Americans.

Fred will be remembered for his life of service above self and his beautiful smile that could light up a room. He will be so missed by all those who have had the chance to feel his love and friendship, especially his cherished family who have always felt blessed to call him their husband, father, and grandfather. His love was truly unconditional.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 60 S. Mulberry Street in Mansfield, Ohio. A Funeral Mass will be held following visitation at 11:00 am. Burial will occur at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Sandusky, OH, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Church, 104 W. 1st Street, Mansfield, Ohio 44902.

Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Fred’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on his obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.

Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel

Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com