Frederick W. Lanz, Sr.

Rensselaer - It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Frederick William Lanz, Sr. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 66 years, Patricia Lanz, he leaves behind his four children, Cynthia (Jim) Desso, Frederick Jr. (Louise) Lanz, Michelle Lanz-Correll, and Philip Lanz along with his sister, Lorraine (Gary) Newton, and his dear companion, Rita Burns. Fred has six grandchildren; Alison Lanz (MacDonald), Erin Lanz, Derek (Isabella) Lanz, Nathan (Elyssa) Correll, Evan Desso, and Makenzie Correll. He adored his great grandchildren, (Margaret, Ellaina, Brody, Amelia, and Calan) and they will always hold dear their "Pop Lanz", "Poppy", and "Pop-Pop".

Fred was born and raised in Albany, NY where he met his wife, Patricia. He spent the majority of his life in the City of Rensselaer where he owned the infamous Apollo Tavern on East St. He sponsored a multi-year league-leading softball team that was virtually undefeated, enriching the lives of the youth in Rensselaer. Fred also became the Rensselaer pop-warner football commissioner (never letting his son, Phil play).

Fred was a proud Albany Firefighter, building supplier, and general “Jack of All Trades”, before eventually becoming a substance abuse counselor. He was also a past Grand Knight and lifetime member of the Rensselaer Knights of Columbus Counsel #267 where he once inexplicably bowled a 291, forever enshrining him in K of C bowling lore. Fred was also a proud member of the American Legion, serving in the Navy during the Korean War and loved his Country immensely.

Perhaps Fred’s proudest chapter was in his later years, where he became active in the Capital Region's Alcoholics Anonymous organization, where he remained sober for decades (43yrs). He volunteered thousands of meaningful hours assisting others to free themselves from substance abuse. Fred gave himself to God, always remaining humble and grateful to guide others on their journey to sobriety.

Retired for longer than he worked, Fred couldn’t stay idle for long. Between summers at Sacandaga Lake and Brant Lake and winters in Florida he and Pat gave back tremendously to their community by hosting events and providing food for those in need. Forever a jokester, Fred kept everyone on their toes, including his children, who gave him the name of “Hurricane Fred.” Nobody could outwit Fred even in his last days where he had the VA nursing staff constantly laughing. We will miss him greatly!

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Sunday, December 21st, 2025, from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 22nd, at 10:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow at Memory Gardens, Colonie.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Rensselaer Boys & Girls Club in the memory of Frederick & Patricia Lanz., 544 Broadway, Rensselaer, NY 12144 or online at: Donate Now | BGCSORENSCO .