3 Fred Cupp Obituary

Jim Ingram's Comments:


Fred Cupp passed away on Dec. 28, 2020, at age 91.  (Full obit below in Para. 3.)

We railroaders all remember and appreciate Fred for his MANY contributions.

Fred got us people and CLUBS in Williamsport, Lock Haven, Bellefonte, State College (and probably more cities) -- all started and TRAINED in how to use the NCE digital command control system.
The Loose Ties, Susquehanna S Gaugers, Penn College, and many other nearby groups had training and operating sessions on his layout.
Without Fred’s guidance, we might be today all struggling with one of the less friendly systems.

For years, Fred hosted the “Tuesday Night Gang” operating sessions at his layout — where groups of railroaders would come, and Fred would patiently guide them through a pre-arranged list of trains to move, and freight cars to drop off and pick up at different industries along the layout (just like a real railroad).

When not hosting groups or training individuals, Fred spent COUNTLESS hours installing DCC decoders in friends' locomotives, repairing locomotives, and upgrading them.

Fred also trained me in how to use the NCE "Mini-Panel" programmable controller, for doing simple automatic control of DCC model trains — for which I am eternally indebted.
Without Fred’s help, I probably never would have been able to figure out the Mini-Panel by myself.

Fred was also an avid East Broad Top fan, and made a couple of videos of that railroad.

Newspaper Obituary:



January 01, 2021 

Frederick B. Cupp, 91, of Williamsport, went to be with his Lord on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020 at ManorCare South, Williamsport. Surviving are his wife of 65 years Marilyn (Ingraham) Cupp, whom he married on May 20, 1955.

Fred was born Oct. 26, 1929 in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, the son of Clarence and Gladys B. (Barton) Cupp.

Fred was a US Navy Veteran of the Korean War. He worked as an electrical engineer at General Dynamics, EdMac, and Redcom Laboratories Rochester, New York. He retired in 1997 and moved back to the Williamsport area. Fred was an active church member where he was a deacon, served in the music department, and part of the bus ministry. He served at Memorial Baptist Church and Hillview Baptist Church in his retirement. For hobbies, Fred enjoyed trains, was a HAM radio operator with call sign W2DUC.

In addition to his wife, surviving are two sons Calvin Charles Cupp (Irene) and Alan Frederick Cupp (Robin) both of Rochester, NY, and two grandsons Randall Nathan and Alan Michael Cupp.

A private graveside service will be held in Jersey Shore Cemetery.

A public memorial will be held once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Memorial contributions in Fred’s name can be sent to Hillview Baptist Church 40 Hillview Ave. Williamsport, PA 17701.

Arrangements entrusted to Sanders Mortuary. E-condolences may be made at www.SandersMortuary.com