| Date of Birth | December 23, 1951 |
| Date Deceased | January 12, 2024 |
| Hometown | Hornell |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | January 18, 2024 |
| Service Time | 10 a.m. |
| Service Location | St. Ann's Church, Hornell |
| Interment Location | St. Mary's Cemetery, Town of Fremont |
FREDERICK J. “FRED” LEHMAN
HORNELL – Fred was called to be with the Lord, surrounded by his family, on Friday (Jan. 12, 2024) following a brief illness.
Fred was born December 23, 1951 at Bethesda Hospital in North Hornell to Otto and Eileen Lehman. He was a graduate of Arkport Central School, class of 1970. After high school, he immediately started working at the former Marion Rohr in Hornell from 1971 until it closed. He also worked as a shift manager at Pizza Hut in Dansville, NY. In 2000, he started working at Asplundh, local IBEW 1249, as a tree climber and groundskeeper, until his accident in May 2005. He also served as a Hornell City alderman for the 7th ward from 2011-2019. He knew just about every resident in the 7th ward from his afternoon excursions. He was currently serving on the planning and development committee and the housing authority for the city of Hornell.
Fred met the love of his life in March 1975, and married Eileen Turner on June 26, 1976. Together, they raised five kids in a loving, hard-working, and caring home. Fred taught his family how to work hard and enjoy life. He attended as many sporting events, chorus, and band concerts as he could.
Fred enjoyed hunting and fishing. Before his accident, Fred taught his three sons how to hunt and to respect the process. On weekends, he’d hop in the car and the entire family would go fishing. After his accident, Fred took advantage of his second chance and traveled with his wife and kids. He traveled to Charleston, SC, Nashville, TN, Viginia Beach, Norfolk, VA, and his yearly trip to Lancaster, PA. When he was home, you could often see him riding around town in his wheelchair, talking to the neighbors, and meeting new ones.
He was a lifelong Bills fan, even during their long draught years. He said he’d put in a good word for a Super Bowl win! He also enjoyed watching reruns of Golden Girls and MASH.
Fred’s wife, Eileen, took care of him for 17 years. She gave the entire family more time to spend and enjoy his jokes, quick wit, and love.
Fred is predeceased by his parents, Otto and Eileen Lehman; brothers, Larry, Joseph, Charles, Kenneth, and James “Buck” Lehman; son-in-law, Steven Hopkins; and his dog companion, Ralph.
Fred is survived by his wife of 47 years, Eileen; children, Steve Lehman (Jessica Siebert) of Springfield, TN, Matt Lehman of Hornell, Jamie (Ron) Higley of Allegany, NY, AJ Lehman (Tanya) of Livonia, NY and Patty Hopkins (Brian Nisbet) of Hornell; his grandchildren, Karisa Higley, Helena, Benjamin, Jack, and Elouise Lehman, and Alex and Nathan Hopkins; bonus grandchildren, Hailey (Darren) Fisher, Max (Belle) Mignone, Amelia Mignone of Tennessee, and Blake and Madelynn Nisbet of Geneseo, NY; bonus great grandchild; Nevaeh Fisher of Tennessee; one sister, Nancy Allington of Corning, NY; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends so close they have become family. He also leaves behind his beloved furry pet, Walter.
Calling hours are 4-7 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 17, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 18, 2024). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell or to St Ann’s Academy, P.O. Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Fred’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Fred are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
My most sincere condolences to Eileen and family. I had so much respect and admiration for my dear friend Fred. He always was joyful and full of hope when he had many reasons not to be. He loved his family and his community. Thanks to Eileen for your loving care and devotion to this man. I have known few men that I so admired. Rest In Peace. May the Angels guide you to paradise.☮️🙏❤️