For more than 40 years, Massapequa resident Frederick H. Ships was a dedicated and praised worker for the Massapequa School District. He started his career as a custodian and retired a much-respected groundsman for all the schools in the district.

Mr. Ships died August 18, 2006. He was 78 years old.

Born in Queens, he moved to Massapequa on December 12, 1953 with his wife Dolores. The couple would have celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on September 13th. A decorated veteran, he served as a U.S. Army Corporal during the Korean War.

Mr. Ships worked for Sperry Gyroscope in Nassau County before starting his career with the district. In his spare time he loved to root for his favorite teams, the Mets and the Rangers, and play golf. He was also a supporter of the American Legion and the Republican Club.

Mr. Ships leaves behind his wife, Dolores; his children: Linda Leary and her husband Robert of Lindenhurst and Laurie and her husband John of West Babylon; his grandchildren: Rob, Sarah and Samantha; as well as other loved ones and friends.

He reposed at the William E. Law Funeral Home, 1 Jerusalem Ave., Massapequa on August 21, 2006. Interment at Calverton National Cemetery on August 22, 2006.