Fred Roger Quartlebaum, Sr.

We celebrate the life of Fred Roger Quartlebaum, Sr., affectionately known as “Freddy Q” and “Pop Pop”, who fought cancer with unwavering courage and grace until his peaceful passing at home on January 23, 2023. Fred was born in Harlem, NY on November 24, 1943, to the late Gladys Quartlebaum . He was raised on West 118th Street and received his formal education at Wadleigh Junior High School and George Washington High School.

Fred began his career at HARYOU-ACT (Harlem Youth Opportunities Unlimited – Association for Community Teaching), an organization dedicated to improving the educational and economic opportunities for young people in Harlem. It was there that he met his former wife, Diane, in 1965 . Two years later, they were married and blessed with their loving son, Freddie Jr.

After dedicating his time and energy to HARYOU-ACT, Fred studied computer programming at Albert Merrill School. He ultimately decided to pursue a career as a New York City bus operator, joining MABSTOA (Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority). He proudly served the Harlem community for 20+ years, dedicating himself to providing safe and reliable transportation out of the Lenox Ave and Broadway depots until his retirement in 2008.

One of Fred’s greatest passions was basketball, which began during his days at Wadleigh, where he was considered one of the elite players along with Vaughn Harper, Jimmy Jackson, Rodney Butler and Sam Penceal. He spent most of his free time at the basketball courts on 118th Street and Morningside Avenue, as well as the famous Rucker Park. He attended the annual Old Timer’s Day held at Morningside Park, where he reunited with former players, family, and friends. Freddie Jr.’s fondest memory of this event was his dad introducing him to playground legend, Earl “The Goat” Manigault. Fred was proud to see his son Freddie and grandsons, Trey and Mayson, follow in his footsteps and play the game he cherished.

In addition to basketball, Fred enjoyed reading, bowling, golf, and music. He was a big fan of Smokey Robinson; loved singing his songs and even resembled him. In fact, Fred celebrated his 79th birthday this past Thanksgiving with a family zoom call and a surprise video message from Smokey Robinson himself.

After his retirement, Fred mainly focused on golf. He spent many years playing with a core group of golf buddies, sharing many memories of playing in the tri-state area as well as annual golf trips. In 2018, Fred decided to relocate to a warmer climate where he could play golf year-round and found a new home in Arizona. He enjoyed many rounds of golf, as well as attending the Phoenix Open, until the onset of his illness in 2021.

In April 2022, Fred moved to Lawrence, Kansas to be with his son and daughter-in-law, Christy. There he received love and care from family, his companion Lynda, medical staff, and dear friends throughout the Lawrence community, until his passing.

Fred was predeceased by his beloved mother, Gladys Quartlebaum, and his brothers, Phillip “Skeeter” Cooper and Allen “Skip” Cooper, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory: son, Fred Quartlebaum, Jr. and his wife Christy; grandsons, Fred Quartlebaum III “Trey” and Mayson Quartlebaum; sister-in-law, Clara Greene; companion Lynda Lee; childhood friend Vernon Riddick, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In honor of Fred’s legacy and courageous battle with cancer, donations can be made to the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic @ RockChalkRoundballClassic.Com or may be sent in care of the mortuary.