Fred Schober, 81, had many jobs prior to his death due to complications with leukemia on January 31st, 2007. Chief among these was his time spent as a sculptor, painter, jewelry designer, and craftsman. Throughout his life, Fred lived in a wide variety of locations within the state of New York including Astoria, Brooklyn, Malverne, and Rockville Center.

He served in the Navy from 1942 to 1946 on two ships, the Pine Island and the Coos Bay. Following his service, he worked for Cartier as a jewelry designer and eventually opened his own store in Rockville Center called Fredricks.

Looking for a change, Fred began working for the New York Telephone Company. Acquiring this job was no easy feat. Needing a diploma for the job, Fred went and obtained his General Education Development certificate. After returning to the company and presenting his certificate, he was told that it was not worth the paper it was printed on. So, Fred wrote to Governor Dewey requesting the return of his $15 and told him what the executive at the Phone Co. said. The matter was handled and Fred got the job.

During his time with the company, lasting from 1951 to 1978, he held many titles including draftsman and engineer. A few of his notable projects include widening Sunrise Highway and elevating the Long Island Railroad. While working during the day, he taught adult education in East Rockaway at night and ultimately opened his own art studio and school in East Rockaway. He retired at 52 years old to pursue his art career. Following his retirement, Fred found himself drawn to teaching, which led to tenure at the Haber School of Art in Roslyn. Some time later, he opened a storefront school in East Rockaway and also taught in adult education.

In 1986, Fred met Joan Lazarus, a local artist. Describing their meeting, she explained, “I met Fred’s dog, Octane, with his red bandana tied around his neck, outside Fred’s house, while walking my dog, Harry. Several days later I met Fred”.

This chance meeting led to a 20-year relationship between the two artists and Fred’s introduction to Robert Yasuda’s class at Long Island University. Studying with Yasuda led to a change in Fred’s work from realistic sculptures to experimentation with found materials. His work became that of an alchemist – seeking to turn lead into gold. He transformed found materials into jewel-like mystical works of art. He studied with Yasuda in the 1980s and ‘90s. His work has been exhibited on Long Island and in New York City. The Family Museum in Hempstead and the Barn Gallery in Massapequa are among a few of the venues that have displayed Fred’s work. His work has also been reviewed in the New York Times.

Fred’s daughter, Dawn, has described her father as eccentric, quirky, and a bohemian. “He had a long beard which he braided and a long ponytail…a fascinating blend of opposites, a meticulous craftsman who painstakingly worked and reworked his art in overwhelmingly messy surroundings. He could fit in anywhere from being an “old salt” to a distinguished gentleman. He had deep respect for people of all walks of life and loved animals...He wouldn’t give in to pressure to conform. He was the first man at [the New York Telephone Company] to wear colored shirts and have a beard and mustache”. He also went to the Village Justice Court in Rockville Center after being sued by a neighbor regarding the unkempt nature of his lawn. Fred ultimately won the case and was allowed to keep his wildflower garden.