Frederick Banfield
Frederick “Fred” Banfield, born Feb. 8, 1940 in Chester Township, Ohio, was the son of the late Frederick Charles Spencer Banfield and Hilda Maude Collins Banfield.
Surrounded by his family, he went to be with his Lord and Savior at age 86, on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026. This was a bit ironic, due to Fred’s love for his country and those who sacrificed their lives for his freedom.
Fred was drafted by the U.S Army in 1963 and served his country proudly as a helicopter Crew Chief and hearing his Army stories kept you on the edge of your seat; he was a master storyteller.
He was also part of the Chesterland Volunteer Fire Department from 1961-1973.
After his tenure with CVFD, for decades, he never missed a chance to pull fire hoses or light flares he had in the family car, to help direct traffic and keep his brothers safe. He took every opportunity to thank a fellow veteran or first responder for their service, even if it meant crossing the street to shake their hand.
As newlyweds, Fred was the groundskeeper for Congresswoman Frances Bolton’s estate in Lyndhurst, Ohio. He would say, “We woke up to a million dollar view every day, without all the responsibility or expenses.”
Fred’s heart was to help people and he found a way of doing that through selling insurance. It wasn’t about the money, it was the responsibility of making sure his insurance family would be taken care of when a tragedy happened. He passed this methodology down to his daughter Kathy, who has kept the Banfield Insurance legacy moving forward.
He retired from State Farm Insurance in 2014, after 40+ years as an insurance agent in Chesterland. “Like a good neighbor State Farm is there,” that was Fred; that was actually his CB handle “Good Neighbor.”
In the business world, Fred will be remembered for his integrity, respect, generosity, professionalism and dependability.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents; his three older brothers, Percival (Percy) and wife Betty, William (Bill) and wife Ada, and Harry Banfield; along with his nephews Paul Banfield and great-nephew Josh Banfield.
He will be loved and remembered by his sister-in-law Barbara (Harry) Banfield; nieces, Carol Banfield and Denise (Paul) Hummel-Banfield; nephews David (Susanne), Tommy (Kathy) and Dale (Jen); and the extended Banfield family.
Fred will be endlessly loved by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 64 years, Donna (Southwick) Banfield; his daughters, Katherine (Don) Banfield-Sample, Rebecca Banfield; and granddaughter, Alyssa Jackett, all of whom he affectionately referred to as his “four angels.” They were genuinely his world, their protector, spiritual pillar and provider, and he set a daily example of unconditional love and what a godly husband, father and grandfather should be. The vacancy that his family is experiencing will never be filled.
Fred will be remembered for his quick wit and one-liners, always teaching by his example and his words of wisdom. And, he was quite the problem solver. His love for the outdoors, a well-manicured yard and colorful perennial flower beds, bird watching, his music of choice was Christian quartets (Fred sang bass in several church quartets/choirs), antique cars, red/black plaid and his veteran’s Army hats.
The most important, however, he will be remembered for always putting God and his family first.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Little Church in the Vale located 610 Chagrin River Road, Gates Mills, Ohio, on June 13, 2026, at 10 a.m. Interment with full Army Military Honors will follow at Riverview Cemetery, 8330 Fairmount Road, Russell Township, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greater Cleveland Youth for Christ at www.yfccleveland.org or checks made payable to Greater Cleveland YFC, 6801 Brecksville Road, Ste. 350, Independence, OH 44131.
Arrangements are entrusted to The Original Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
