Alfred J. "Fred" Oneto, Sr. entered eternal rest at his home on August 22, 2008 at age 103. Son of the late Frank and Theresa Oneto, he was born and grew up in New York City. He lived many years in New Hyde Park, New York and after retirement he lived about 20 years in Belchertown, MA, where he was buried. For the past nineteen years he has lived in Southbury, CT.

Fred worked many jobs throughout his life, but he spent the most time as a wine and liquor salesman, retiring from the Hiram Walker Company. He was very active in the Masons, originally joining the Stewart Manor Lodge, A.F. & A.M. He was a past President of the Elmont Square Club and a past Monarch of the Shalimar Grotto as well. He eventually achieved his 32nd degree in the Scottish Rite Order. In Massachusetts he was an active member of the Vernon Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Belchertown. He was given an honorary life membership there because of all he did for the lodge. He also received a medal for fifty years of membership as a Master Mason, a medal he wore to his grave at his request.

Winning some golf clubs at age 60, Fred took up golf and loved the game. He played regularly in Massachusetts and Connecticut until he was 100 years old. Golfing most recently at the Sleeping Giant Golf Course in Hamden, CT, he loved telling people how old he was, because he did not look or play the way one might expect from a person his age. A caring family man, Fred leaves his wife of almost 74 years, the former Gladys Marie Peterson of Gardner, Mass.; his son, Alfred J. Oneto Jr. of Fairfield, CT and his wife Jean; granddaughters Kathleen Thornton and husband Jeff of Manchester, CT, Linda Sullivan and husband Jimmy of Woodbridge, CT and Carol Condit and husband Everett of Newtown, CT. He will also be missed by great grandsons Jeremy and Kyle Thornton and Andrew D'Ambrose.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Fairfield Grace United Methodist Church, for the music or scholarship funds, 1089 Fairfield Woods Rd., Fairfield, CT 06825.

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Services: Fred was buried at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Belchertown, Mass., where members of the Vernon Masonic Lodge performed a graveside service in his honor. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at a future date for family.

Visitation: There were no calling hours.