Fred spent his early childhood in Brooklyn before moving with his family to Garden City, Long Island, in 1941, where he attended St. Paul’s School. In 1950, the family settled in Concord, Massachusetts, and Fred entered Middlesex School, graduating in 1953. He went on to Harvard College (Class of 1957) and later earned his master’s degrees in education and administration (1968) from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Fred began his career teaching American history at Belmont Hill School before becoming Head of the Town School in New York City in 1965, at just 29. He later served as Head of Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia (1970-1986), and as executive director of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (1986-2007). Following his retirement, he continued to consult with schools for several years and served on numerous educational and nonprofit boards throughout his life. Fred was a gifted writer and communicator, admired for his insightful bulletins to school leaders across New York and beyond. Colleagues valued his counsel and companionship, marked by his characteristic mix of wisdom, humor, and gravitas.

Fred had a lifelong devotion to Lake Placid, New York, the community and the lake. As a boy, his family stayed at the Lake Placid Club starting in 1943, arranged by his mother, who fell in love with the area. Fred and his family rented camps on Lake Placid for several summers starting in 1968. He and his second wife, Gail, bought Camp Alouette in 1973 and later purchased Camp Blackhawk on the west shore in 1977, which Fred owned for 39 years. He fell in love with classic wooden boats early on, owning and pampering three Chris-Crafts over the decades. In addition to his long association with the Shore Owners’ Association, he served on the boards of the Lake Placid Center for the Arts and the Adirondack Community Foundation (ACF). Fred was chair of the Lake Placid Education Foundation when it provided essential seed money to launch the ACF.

He is survived by his partner of 27 years, Meredith Prime; his first wife, Lelia Calder; his brother Bart and sister-in-law Kathy Calder; sons Grant, Wynn, and Max Calder; stepdaughter Alison Wald; daughters-in-law Phyllis Dininio and Suzi Morrison; grandchildren Sophia, Alexa, John, Roxy, and Nadia Calder; nieces Sue Calder and Kristen Juliani; and nephews Bart Calder Jr. and Andy Juliani.

He was predeceased by his sister Norma Juliani, brother Bill Calder, second wife Gail Calder, and stepson John Wald.

There will be a memorial gathering for Fred in Lake Placid in July 2026.

In keeping with Fred’s devotion to Lake Placid, contributions in his memory may be made to the Adirondack Community Foundation, Lake Placid.

The M.B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid is in charge of arrangements.