Obituary of Fred D. Staring

LITTLE FALLS - Fred D Staring, Jr. of Little Falls, NY passed away peacefully with his loved ones at his side on Thursday March 2nd at Basset Hospital in Cooperstown NY, following a brief and courageous battle with throat cancer. He was 71 years old. Fred was born to Elizabeth (Betty) and Fred Staring, also of Little Falls on October 30th, 1951. He was the oldest of eight children. Fred spent his youth growing up in Little Falls, and graduated from Little Falls High School in 1969. It is also where he met Debra Heansel, who would become his beloved wife. The two were married on July 12, 1975 at St. Joseph’s in Little Falls. Fred and Deb would begin their lives together by relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. They took on this adventure together, moved across the country solo, but made many close friends who would become like family to them. While in Vegas, Fred would fulfill an aspiration of his by securing a position as a union bartender for a well known casino. During this time, Fred would sharpen his skills and knowledge of wine and liquor which would serve him a few years down the road when he purchased ‘Mannheim Liquors’ in Dolgeville, NY. He and his family ran the business together for over 25 years until his retirement. Towards the end of their residency in Las Vegas, Fred and Deb would be blessed by two daughters, Jessica, in 1985, and Teresa, in 1988. It was shortly after the two were born that they decided to move back to Little Falls to raise their children with the love and support of family and friends close by. In addition to running Mannheim Liquors, Fred was always on the job performing various home improvement work, for his own properties, and for friends around town. When it came to home repairs, Fred was the guy that could “literally fix anything”. Much of Fred’s knowledge was learned from his Father in law, Walter Heansel (predeceased), who he shared a very special bond with. Walter helped Fred completely remodel his home on Arthur street in Little Falls, the place where he and Deb would raise their daughters and spend the rest of his life. Fred worked tirelessly throughout his life to ensure he could provide the best for Deb, Jessica, and Teresa to which he succeeded. Fred worked hard, but he always made time to enjoy life with his family. In many ways, he lived unapologetically and wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. Those who knew him best know deep down the humble and kind man he truly was. Fred was a devoted husband, loving father, and all around great guy. He was a friend to animals, loved babies, and always went out of his way to help anyone regardless if they were friend, family, or stranger. Some of Fred’s favorite past times included playing billiards and spending time at the family’s camp where he’d take the boat out on the lake, go waterskiing, gather for a barbecue and play cards. He was always surrounded by people, there never had to be a reason for company. He loved sharing a bottle of wine or mixing up a few cocktails and entertaining guests with his adventurous stories. He was a classic rock connoisseur, having built an extensive library. Some of his favorite artists and bands included Roy Orbison, Queen, Journey, The Beatles and Cheap Trick just to name a few. There was always music playing. It was the backdrop to his life and he shared his music with guests and daughters. Fred and Deb loved to travel, and had the opportunity to explore many landmarks of the continental United States together. They even had the chance to visit Alaska for a cruise and Hawaii, where they celebrated their honeymoon. Fred came from a large family, with whom he had a strong relationship with all of his brothers, sisters, and In-laws. Surviving Fred is his mother Elizabeth, his siblings Kathy, Ken, Jim, John, Cindy, Kim, and Dan. Fred is also survived by his daughters Jessica and Teresa, and his loving wife Deb, who he was devoted to and cared for up until his final days. Services will be held Saturday March 11th, a prayer service at Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 West Monroe Street in Little Falls, New York at 3:00 PM with Rev. Dr. Steven A. Scarcia officiating. Calling hours will precede the service and also be held this Saturday March 11th at Enea’s funeral home in Little Falls, NY from 1pm-3pm with a service to follow. Following the service, friends and family are welcome to join us at the American Legion in Little Falls. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the family to aid in the long term care of his wife Deb who suffers from multiple-sclerosis.