Frederick J. "Fred" Kress of Melrose died at his home on Saturday, October 1, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. He was 66 years old. Born on August 14, 1945 in Melrose, a son to the late Albert & Angela (Casey) Kress, he was raised in Melrose and a 1964 graduate of Melrose High School. Mr. Kress enlisted in the United States Navy before graduating high school and then served for 6 years, two of them active duty during the Vietnam War. Fred then received his Associate's Degree from Fisher College and worked as a Quality Control Engineer with Abiomed Medical of Danvers for 5 years. He was a member of St. Mary's Church of Melrose and the VFW Harold O' Young Post 2394 of Melrose. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting guns at the gun club in Brentwood, NH, fixing and building computers and his 1982 Mercedes. Fred was the devoted husband of Nancy M. (Rolli) Kress of Melrose with whom they shared 43 years of marriage. He was the loving father of Jeffrey F. Kress & his wife Gina of Melrose, Eric M. Kress & his wife Erin of Melrose, Brian J. Kress & Jenn Buchner of Holliston & Daniel M. Kress & his wife Kristine, also of Melrose. Beloved "Grumpy" of Daniel, Danika, Aighla, Dylan & Jeremy. Brother of the late Albert Kress, Jr. Brother-in-law of William Rolli of Woburn and the late Janet O'Sullivan. Caring Uncle of 7. Visiting hours Wednesday, October 5th from 8-9:30AM in the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose at 10AM followed by Military Honors. Relatives & friends respectfully invited. Interment is private. Arrangements by The Gately Funeral Home of Melrose. Memorial contributions in Fred's memory may be made to Winchester Hospital's Oncology & Hematology Dept. 88 Montvale Ave. Stoneham, MA 02180 or Visiting Nurse's Hospice of Middlesex-East 607 North Ave. Su. 17, Wakefield, MA 01880. For directions, flowers or to sign Fred's guest book, please visit www.gatelyfh.com