Frederick Charles McKay-Gemski

September 20, 1944 - April 3, 2021

Frederick Charles McKay-Gemski, 76, passed away at Roanoke Memorial Hospital on Saturday April 3, 2021, with his wife Barbara at his side. They had been together for 35 years. Fred was born in Passaic New Jersey, and was predeceased by his parents Adam and Helen Gemski, and his brother Ronald Gemski. Fred is survived by his loving wife Barbara McKay-Gemski, his daughter Shannon Kooken, her partner Homer King, and his son Joshua McKay. He has four grandchildren, Deanna and Holley Resch, and Samantha and Luke McKay. He is also survived by his sister Janet (Gemski) Quentz, and her husband George, of Towaco, N.J., and his many nieces and nephews. Fred was an Army veteran and a retired member of Local 164, IBEW. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge of Martinsville, VA and active in their church, The United Methodist Church of Sydnorsville, VA. Fred was a quiet man, always willing to help anyone, friend or stranger. His favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, and puttering around the house. He will be greatly missed and always remembered as a strong, kind, and loving man by his family and friends. A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Bennett officiating. We will be following the mandates in place by our Governor concerning social distancing and face masks. Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount.