‘The Pied Piper of Fowler High School’

Fr. Fred Mannara honored on school’s Wall of Distinction

If you live, work, learn, or worship on the Near West Side of Syracuse, you have most likely interacted with Fr. Fred Mannara, who, for the past 63 years, has served as a priest in the Syracuse Diocese.

For 28 years, Fr. Fred has been pastor at Most Holy Rosary Church. When his parishioners and neighbors greet him, he not only knows their names, but knows their families — those who are ill, have died, left for college, and who have recently celebrated a milestone. His care and concern are evident to anyone who receives a copy of the bulletin (whether or not you’re a parishioner) that highlights the name of a loved one he and the congregation are praying for.

In addition to the many parishes he served over the years, Fr. Fred was also a faculty member at the former Bishop Ludden High School and director of the faith centers at Henninger and Fowler high schools. He said he found great joy teaching students about God and the importance of practicing their faith. His teaching not only took place at the front of the class, but by walking through the cafeteria at lunchtime, talking with students, asking why they weren’t at the last religious education class, and recruiting those who were not yet part of “release time” — a school-sanctioned early dismissal for students to attend religious instruction.

That dedication as a faithful leader and shepherd of the church is why Fr. Fred was recognized this year on Fowler High School’s Wall of Distinction – a lasting tribute that honors alumni, faculty, and supporters of the school who have demonstrated excellence in their fields and made a lasting impact on the school and community. The Sept. 24 ceremony took place on the school campus. 

“He literally lives to meet friends he may not know at the start of his day,” said Veronica “Ronnie” Kobuszewski, a 1977 Fowler alumna and longtime friend of Fr. Fred. “His flock of followers and fans has grown over the years, and many of them, if they haven’t already, have been touched by his goodness.”

A reception was held before the ceremony in the cafeteria at Fowler High School. Photo | Chuck Wainwright

Fr. Fred met with students daily in nearby, convenient locations such as at the closed Transfiguration School in front of Henninger or a rented storefront in a shopping center near Fowler. “I taught two days at Henninger and two days at Fowler,” Fr. Fred said. “The fifth day of the week, I was trying to recruit students at both schools.”

Susan Henry, who attended Fowler in the 1980s, nominated Fr. Fred for the honor. She said he made a lasting impact on so many students who attended religious education. “He shared many valuable lessons with us, including one called ‘Getting Around to it.’ I will never forget how he gave us a plastic round coin with the word “Tuit” on it, which puzzled us at first,” explained Henry. “Then he told us about a man who always planned to go to Europe but sadly passed away before he could. Fr. Fred encouraged us to not be like that man, reminding us to keep the coin as a symbol to take action. The token was meant to help people stop procrastinating.” 

Practiced what he preached

With that lesson in mind, Fr. Fred shepherded his students on bus trips throughout New York state, Florida, and Canada. He used music, the arts, and historical sites as a way to introduce culture and unique experiences to those who were ‘faithful to religion classes.’ The students traveled to New York City to shop, sightsee, and visit important landmarks including St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the United Nations Building, and the Statue of Liberty.

“Twice a year, I took them to New York — 24 hours down and back,” said Fr. Fred. “I never let them go off by themselves; they always had to have partners. They went shopping in groups of four or five. We would meet back at St. Patrick’s Cathedral where I would celebrate Mass in the downstairs sacristy before we stopped for a quick bite to eat and then headed home.”

Other trips included attending a Blood, Sweat, and Tears concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, a Simon and Garfunkel concert in Flushing Meadow, or traveling to Montreal and Quebec where students could absorb the culture, atmosphere, and beautiful scenery. 

For seven consecutive years, Fr. Fred organized highly anticipated trips to Disney World for Fowler and Henniger students who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to visit. The excursions served as a reward for their dedication and commitment to classes,” said Fr. Fred.

Unifying cultures and faiths through shared experiences

Father Fred poses with his longtime friend, Veronica “Ronnie” Kobuszewski, a 1977 Fowler alumna. Photo | Chuck Wainwright

These trips cemented the students’ relationships not only with each other, but also with God. “Fr. Fred took a group of mismatched kids and found common ground,” said Kobuszewski. “He became the Pied Piper of Fowler. While not all the students were Catholic, there [was] a unity we found. The faith center broke the ice, got kids out of the classroom, and increased our life experiences in a variety of ways,” she said.

Kobuszewski noted that trips with Fr. Fred and students from the Onondaga Nation to local orchards and vineyards helped everyone grow beyond their immediate surroundings. “These trips, along with weekly time at the faith center, allowed us to explore conversations about religion, faith, and personal growth freely, as well as get to know kids from different backgrounds,” Kobuszewski said. “All of this, and so much more, shows how Fr. Fred lives out his faith and calling.”

“I remember when we were on a bus trip (to Canada), and we were coming upon the border patrol. Fr. Fred had the driver stop so he could put on his clerical collar and remind us to behave like respectful, Catholic children,” added Henry. “Fr. Fred made everyone feel welcome — regardless of their faith, teaching us to be accepting and compassionate toward others.”

To this day, former students come up to Fr. Fred to tell him how much the program meant to them. “There was a feeling of belonging,” Fr. Fred said. ”Recently, several people have approached me and thanked me for trusting them (to explore) New York City as teenagers. Can you imagine how much it meant to them to be trusted? The young people enjoyed it a lot, but wow, I loved it! It was wonderful. I enjoyed that work very much.”

“I am so humbled to be able to say I have been touched by Fr. Fred’s goodness and I am better for it,” Kobuszewski said. “He has remained a friend all these years. This award is well deserved and is past due. May those who ask in the future why he was inducted, may they come to know the man, the myth, and the legend that is Fr. Fred Mannara.”