ROCKLAND — Frederick A. Gnade, 61, died unexpectedly on March 6, 2016.

Born Nov. 21, 1955, in Ridgewood, N.J., Fred was the son of Frederick and Dorothy Woodbury Gnade. Fred spent his elementary years in New Hampshire before his family moved to Owls Head. In Maine he attended Glen Cove Christian Academy graduating in 1973.

Following high school Fred began his career in retail working first at LaVerdiere's and then at First National Store in Rockland. Fred stayed with the grocery chain through several corporate changes, eventually retiring as a department manager after roughly 20 years of service with Hannaford. Fred was a friendly person, and was well known and liked by both his employers and his customers. Most recently Fred has worked as a cashier at the Irving Circle K Store in Rockland.

A quiet person, he enjoyed keeping statistical data and detailed notes on a myriad of topics. He was extremely organized and creative. During the winter months he kept busy making beautifully decorated holiday wreaths. His family said not only did he enjoy making the wreaths, he was very good at it as well. They also told of his gourmet cooking skills and the anticipation they felt looking forward to gatherings on Christmas night when Fred would make his famous shrimp dish. He was a fantastic gardener, often using the vegetables he grew in his recipes.

Fred was an avid New England sports fan, watching many Red Sox and Patriots games on TV. His family was very important to him and he loved to share a good laugh with them. He will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by his parents; and a brother, Dennis Gnade; Fred is survived by his sister, Susan McLaughlin and her husband, the Rev. James McLaughlin, of Georgetown, Mass.; a sister-in-law, Sara Huntley of Rockland; and 15 nieces and nephews, James, Jason, Joel, Jesse, Betsie, Jon-Mark, Corrie, Natalie, Jacob, Jovani, Christie, Hannah, Caleb, Jeremy and Rachel.

A graveside service at Village Cemetery in Thomaston will be announced in the spring.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.