Planned Giving

Portrait of a Planned Giver

A Lifetime of Involvement and Support
Frederick H. Kass, Jr. ’30 was a loyal and involved member of the Blair community who showed his support as a student and as an alumni volunteer. Fred entered Blair when he was 13. Fred’s mother died when he was a young boy, and his father wisely believed that he would best be cared for by his aunt, uncle and grandmother. Fortunately, the family also felt that Fred would benefit from a Blair education.

While at Blair, Fred actively participated in varsity hockey, football, baseball, the ACTA board, The Academy Players, and was an Insley prefect. After Blair, he continued his education at Brown University, graduating in 1935. He spent his professional life in the investment field, retiring as a senior vice president with Smith Barney in 1997. Fred and his wife Nata, who passed away in 1999, had two children, Dodie and Rick, and four grandchildren, Amy, Peter, Leland and Eric.

Fred continued his support of Blair as an alumnus, generously contributing each year to the Blair Fund. In 1973 he was elected to the Alumni Association Board of Governors, on which he served for many years. Fred’s son Rick noted that his father believed it was important to choose areas of interest and to energetically volunteer and support those programs. Fred remained involved with Blair because the school provided him with the support and structure in his life when he needed it most, offering him much more than just an education.

Several years ago, Fred perpetuated his support – he named Blair as a beneficiary of his estate. Upon his death in 2004, Blair was notified of his bequest. Fred chose to have the gift from his estate benefit capital projects. Blair is extremely fortunate to have had such a loyal alumnus. Many here will miss Fred’s good humor and generous spirit.

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