Fred B. Niessen, 90, a 65 year resident of Dutchess County, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday, February 9th,  2025 at the Hudson Valley Hospice House in Hyde Park, NY just 2 days after celebrating his 90th birthday.

Fred was born at home by a midwife on February 7th in Cochecton NY. He was the son of Francis and Margaret (Keuter) Niessen. Fred graduated from Narrowsburg HS and then went on to graduate from SUNY Delhi. Following graduation, he enlisted to serve in the US Army from 1955-1958 in Panmunjom, Korea. He was very proud of his service and his country.

On February 11, 1957 he married the love of his life, Leila B. Nearing, who predeceased him in 2014.

Upon honorable discharge from the Army, he began his career as a Corrections Officer at Green Haven Prison retiring in 1990. Throughout his adult life, because of his commitment to providing the best life possible for his family, he worked consecutive jobs, including owning and operating the Gulf station on the TSP at Todd Hill. In retirement, because of his passion for driving and love of cars, he held many different jobs that involved deliveries, including Meals on Wheels.

He took pride in caring for the home he owned for 50 plus years. Because of his love of writing poetry, he became a distinguished member of the International Society of Poets and several pieces of his writing were published. He shared his poetry with many. A few years ago for Veterans Day, he was asked to read the poem he wrote about what the statue at Myers Corners and All Angels Hill Rd in Wappingers Falls and what it meant to him. He enjoyed visiting many of the local diners and became friends with many a server.

Fred is survived by his 5 daughters, Stephanie Lange of Poughkeepsie, Sandra Williams (David) of Highland, Susan Niessen of Wappingers Falls, Sharon Touhey (Patrick) of AZ and Sally Murphy (Dan) of Lagrangeville. Grandchildren Brian Lange, Lauren Wengert (Chris), Erin Lombardo (Danny), Joseph Whalen II (Caitlin), Sarah and Zachary Whalen, Adam Touhey (Danielle), Joshua Touhey (Taylor Strupp), Nicole and Jordan Touhey, Tyler Murphy (Marina), Logan Murphy (Taylor Low), Jack and Kate Murphy and 10 great-grandchildren. 

He is also survived by his sister Mildred Meyer of Callicoon, NY, his sister-in-law Donna Vannatta of Glen Spey, brother-in-law Ted Nearing (Barbara) of MD and Eric Nearing of Bethel, and many nieces and nephews.

Fred spent his last days at the Hudson Valley Hospice House where he received the most compassionate and loving care imaginable. The ENTIRE staff was wonderful, from the RN’s, PT, HHA’s, our Social Worker, Maintenance, and Chef, not only for Fred, but for his entire family.

We cannot express how fortunate we feel to have had our Dad’s final days spent here, dying peacefully with dignity in comfort.

In lieu of flowers, PLEASE consider donating to Hudson Valley Hospice House or The Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation to help continue the phenomenal work they do.

Services were under direction of Timothy Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Holy Trinity Church in Poughkeepsie, followed by Fred being placed next to his love, Leila,  in the St Peters Cemetery, Salt Point TPK, NY

If you would like to leave an online condolence, please visit www.DoyleFuneralHome.com.