Frederick L. Musante, 86, of Shelton, a retired marketing executive who spent his 20-year retirement in public service, died Friday Aug. 14, 2009 at St. Raphael’s Hospital in New Haven.
As chairman of the Shelton Economic Development Commission and a member of the Shelton Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors for nearly two decades, he helped give the city one of the most robust economic growth rates in the state.
He was also Shelton’s representative on the Valley Transit District and the Valley Regional Planning Agency, and from 1989 to 1995 he served as the chairman of the Board of Directors of ABCD, the community action program agency in the Greater Bridgeport region.
Known as “Fritz” by many old friends and family, Fred lived all his life in Bridgeport, Trumbull and Shelton.
He and his wife, Helen Noel Musante, celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on June 26.
Fred was born Nov. 13, 1922 at home on Main Street in Bridgeport. He graduated from Central High School in 1941 near the top in his class.
In 1943 he was inducted into the U.S. Army, training with the Army Air Force, then the infantry and field artillery. He disembarked at Marseilles in January 1945 assigned to the 106th Division.
Later in the war he was assigned to a unit interviewing prisoners in POW camps near Heidelberg, demonstrating a knack for communicating with others, even when there was a language barrier.
Educated on the G.I Bill, he attended New York University in 1947 as a full-time student and made the Dean’s List even though he was also working full time and commuted from Bridgeport.
He transferred to the University of Bridgeport, graduating in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts in marketing, while working full-time at the Acme Shear Company and starting a family with Helen.
Fred entered the aerosol products industry in its early stages and started a career in marketing, sales and customer relations.
In 1960 he served as president of Aerosol Specialties Inc., in Bridgeport, which manufactured private label aerosol products. In 1970 the company merged with the Essex Chemical Company of Clifton, NJ, and became its consumer products division, which Fred headed as vice president.
Essex Chemical merged with Rausch Industries Inc. of Gastonia, NC, with Fred continuing to run the division from Connecticut. He originated a contest for home Christmas decorations with Good Housekeeping Institute that received 25,000 entries and helped introduce the concept of “theming” Christmas decorations by color and design.
He retired in 1990 and began his record of public service.
He was appointed to the Shelton Economic Development Commission, and two years later he was elected chairman, serving in that position for the last 17 years.
He also served as president of the Aspectuck Village Condominium Association for 10 years.
In Shelton, he established a reputation as an effective, nonpartisan leader, devoted to promoting economic development for the good of his city.
In 1989 he was recruited as a member of the ABCD Board of Directors by the executive director, the Rev. William O. Johnson, who he met through a mutual friend. Johnson used Fred’s business management experience by having the board elect him treasurer, and then chairman a few months later.
At the time, ABCD was in very shaky financial condition and he helped guide it back on a stronger footing.
Fred was an avid fan of the baseball Mets and the football Giants. He was a voracious reader, especially fond of popular mysteries and historical fiction set in the Middle Ages.
He was a gifted cook, especially capable of improvising delicious soups and stews based on provincial Mediterranean recipes.
Fred also leaves his six children: Frederick L. Musante Jr. of Shelton; Laura Musante of Hamden; Douglas Musante and his wife, Nancy, of Shelton; Clifford Musante of Belmont, CA; Carl Musante and his wife, Robin, of Shelton; and Joel Musante of Costa Mesa, CA; also seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He is predeceased by his three brothers, James, Peter and George, and his sister, Frances.
Friends may greet the family at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton, on Monday (Aug. 17) from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
On Tuesday, friends are invited to join with the family for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence Church, 505 Shelton Ave., Shelton.
Interment will be private for the family at a future date.
At the request of the family, contributions may be made to the Frederick L. Musante Scholarship Fund, to benefit Shelton High School students, c/o Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton, CT 06484.
If you are unable to attend, please offer condolences online at www.riverviewfh.com.
