Alfred Fiechter

Alfred Fiechter, affectionately known as Red, passed away on September 14, 2025, at the age of 84. He was born on June 9, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, to Alfred and Josephine (Alleva) Fiechter. The middle of three sons, with older brother Herman and younger brother Richard, he was called by many names throughout his life—Fred, Freddie, Butch, and Red, the name his wife Anna called him.

Growing up in Brooklyn, Red had pigeons on the roof for as long as anyone can remember. His “birds” were more than a pastime—they were a lifelong passion and a central part of his identity. In his teens, Red apprenticed as a butcher, beginning a career that spanned more than 40 years in Brooklyn and later upstate New York.

Although a Brooklyn boy at heart, Red loved the country. As a child, he vacationed with his parents, brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Palenville and Saugerties. In 1970, Red, his then-wife Patricia, and daughter Christine moved from Brooklyn to Saugerties, where another daughter, Elizabeth, soon joined the family. Life on Manorville Road was full of traditions: summers brought a steady stream of visitors from Brooklyn and beyond; autumn meant hunting with his brothers, neighborhood Halloween parties, and his side gig of cutting up deer; winters brought his legendary toboggan runs, attracting all the neighborhood kids; and spring meant pigeon season—new birds, banding, training, and preparing for the summer and fall races.

In the early 1980s, Red moved “up the mountain” to Haines Falls, where he reconnected with childhood friends Carmine Chiusano and Anthony Boscaino at their resort, working with them as a cook. It was there that he “met again” with Anna Healy, whom he had known years earlier in Brooklyn. They married in 1987 and just celebrated 38 years of marriage on September 12, 2025. Together, Red and Anna built a life deeply rooted in their community, first in Haines Falls and later back on Manorville Road.

Red gave generously of his time and talents. He played Santa for the firehouse every year, arriving by dog sled or fire truck. He cooked countless meals for firehouse fundraisers and hosted charity events to support neighbors and friends. His love of food and cooking were second only to his love of pigeons, and he was always happiest when both were shared with others.

The births of his grandsons, Benjamin (2002) and Jackson (2004), to daughter Christine and then-husband Bill Mergendahl, brought him immense joy. They were the lights of his life. He taught them about pigeons, how to recognize a good cut of steak, and, inevitably, a few colorful words. He was immensely proud to see both achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Christine and her husband Gary “Kal” Klein moved from Massachusetts to Florida in recent years, and visits with them were always cherished. Red warmly welcomed Kal into the family, sharing a love of deep-sea fishing, old war movies, and humor, though Kal drew the line at Red’s Hallmark movies.

Red’s life touched many—family, friends, and neighbors. He was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Josephine (Alleva) Fiechter. Those mourning his loss include his devoted wife of 38 years, Anna (Healy) Fiechter; his daughter Christine Fiechter and son-in-law Gary “Kal” Klein; his grandsons Benjamin and Jackson Mergendahl; his “extra daughter” Louise Holland; his former son-in-law and his wife, Bill and Maricar Mergendahl; his brother Herman and wife Carol Fiechter; his brother Richard Fiechter; his sister-in-law Margaret Chiusano; his beloved dogs and cat, Ronnie, Sheba, and Buzz; and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: Haines Falls Fire Co. & Ladies Auxiliary, PO Box 383, Haines Falls, NY 12436

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alfred Fiechter, please visit our floral store.