Even when you know what’s coming, you’re never prepared for how it feels.
Fred Albert Longstreet, 85, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, at his home in McKean. Born in Corry on October 3, 1940, he was the son of Ray and Isabelle Allen Longstreet.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Elton “Tiny” Longstreet and a sister-in-law Bonnie Bolla.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Laura Stafford Longstreet; his sons Philip (Heidi) and Kyle (Jennifer); grandson Collin Longstreet; sisters-in-law Connie Longstreet, Betsy Seth (Dan), and Carrie Weaver; a step-sister Betty Mae Farrell; and many nieces and nephews.
Fred attended elementary school in Wattsburg. While in high school, he was involved in the yearbook staff, class plays, and basketball. After graduating in 1958, he joined the US Navy and was stationed on the USS Decatur in the Mediterranean Sea. He attended Erie Business Center and was hired at Poplar Thruway Service, where he was the office manager for over 35 years. Fred’s favorite job was being known as “Mr. Fred”, driving school bus for 18 years for the General McLane School District.
As a loyal fan of the GM Lancers, you could always find Fred, along with his good friends Lew and Danny, standing along the fence at every Lancer home football game. Fred worked very hard at making his yard look beautiful and took great pride in his many flower beds. His favorite pastime was golf, and he especially loved playing in a league every Thursday night with his sons. During his golfing “career”, he accomplished two holes-in-one!
Although we have lost Fred in physical form, all those memories we have and everything we shared with him will never leave us. He will always be in our hearts, always be in our souls.
His wings were ready, but our hearts were not.
Friends may call at McLane Church in Edinboro on Tuesday, March 17th, from 2-6 pm, and may attend a funeral there on Wednesday at 11 am, officiated by Rev. Brian Kelly. Burial will follow at McLane Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org, or to the General McLane Foundation at 11771 Edinboro Rd, Edinboro, PA 16412. Arrangements are being handled by Van Matre Funeral Home, Edinboro. Condolences may be shared at www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.
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Sharon Buettner says
March 15, 2026 at 11:54 amMy condolences, Fred was a terrific guy
Steve Renick says
March 15, 2026 at 10:18 pmI worked with Fred at the McLane bus garage taking many sport trips Fred always had some great stories
He will be missed by all who knew him
Rest in peace Fred an get another hole in one in Heaven you are a great guy and a true friend to all
Denny Swift says
March 15, 2026 at 11:02 pmVery sorry to learn of Freds passing! Linda and I send our condolences to Laura and all Family with Love! Fred was a pretty cool guy!!!
Cathi & John Mitchell says
March 16, 2026 at 7:38 amLaura & Family, So sorry for your loss. Fred will be missed by so many. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Dick Moody & Becky Van Riper says
March 17, 2026 at 11:37 amDear Laura,
Dick and I send our sincere sympathy to you and the family and friends of Fred. We had planned to pay our respects, but the weather was not on our side. Dick has wonderful memories of Fred… he was such a nice man. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dick Moody & Becky Van Riper
Lisa Tomasik says
March 19, 2026 at 3:23 pmI am so sorry for your loss Laura. We had some good memories driving bus prayers and hugs to you