Delhi, NY - Dr. Otto Frederick (Fred) Onasch passed away peacefully at age 86 at his home in Delhi, attended by his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara Bruce Onasch, and surrounded by his family and friends.

"Buddy" Onasch was born in Troy, Missouri, Feb. 8, 1940, to Frieda Wieman Onasch and the Reverend A.C. Onasch. He grew up in rural parsonages in the Midwest as the son of a preacher and a teacher, enjoying summers with extended family.

Fred graduated from Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, in 1962. He attended graduate school at Pennsylvania State University (PSU) in State College, Pennsylvania, in the Biochemistry Department, receiving a master's in 1967.

On Sept. 5, 1965, Fred married Barbara Lynn Bruce in the Eisenhower Chapel at the Penn State University Park campus in State College, Pennsylvania, during a service officiated by his father, the Reverend A. C. Onasch, and attended by both of their parents and close friends.

Immediately following their marriage, Fred and Barb moved to Delhi, where Fred started a job as a professor of chemistry at SUNY Delhi. While working full time at "Delhi Tech," Fred worked part-time to earn his Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 1983.

A natural teacher, Dr. Onasch taught chemistry at SUNY Delhi for more than three decades, retiring in 2000.

Fred also worked for many years for Bob and Louis Ray of Ray's Plumbing and Heating in Delhi.

After retirement, he continued to teach chemistry at Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta as a visiting professor, and also worked part-time at Dubben Bros. Hardware store in Delhi.

Fred Onasch was a devoted husband and loving father.

Fred and Barb found a family-centered group of friends, the "Bear Spring Mountain bunch," through the United Ministry of Delhi. Fred and Barb loved to travel and spent many days camping with family and friends over the years. After retirement, Fred and Barb bought a small camper van and toured the country, including Alaska; as well as taking several overseas trips. They organized a yearly winter family vacation on Sanibel Island in Florida, where their four grandchildren learned to swim.

Fred was an active member of the United Ministry church of Delhi, taking on many roles including church elder. He loved music, singing in the church choir, the Catskill Choral Society in Oneonta, and local musical theater productions. He played trombone in the fireman's band and later the local Community Band. Fred was also an active member of Rotary International.

Over the past several decades, Fred and Barb hosted their children and grandchildren for magical summer visits, including countless backyard BBQ's, s'more making, mint iced tea, local hikes, blueberry picking, food, baseball and ping-pong tournaments.

Fred is survived by his wife Barbara, three children and their partners: Greg (Angela), Tim (Joy) and Emily (Jonathan) - and four grandchildren who were his delight: Chase, Franklin, Lydia, and Edwin.

Calling hours will take place from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, July 25 at the United Ministry Church in Delhi followed by a celebration of life service in the sanctuary.

Contributions in his memory may be made to The United Ministry of Delhi, P.O. Box 111, Delhi, NY 13753.

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with the Onasch Family.