Books, Scores & Commercial Recordings
1956-2003
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Fred was born in Buffalo, NY, the son of Shirley (Mandel) Sales
and Joseph Sales. His father Joseph and grandfather Herman were Holocaust survivors and the only ones of the
family to survive the war. Fred was named after his father's brother Freddie (Ephraim), a talented pianist who was
murdered by the Nazis at the age of 15. Fred also had one sister, Deborah Sales Bokobza. Fred was from a
musical family. The Sales family were Jewish musicians in Europe and Buffalo. Grandfather Herman played the
violin and father Joseph played the accordion and piano in their own orchestra. The Sales family home was
always full of music. Fred showed his immense musical talent by playing the piano and improvising beautiful new
melodies.
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| He graduated from Buffalo State College with a degree in history. He enjoyed working at music and record stores in his youth. He had a vast knowledge of all musical genres and was considered an expert at the old Record Theater store on Main Street, where many customers and music students would seek him out with questions about songs and musical artists. He was a long time employee of the Eric County Department of Social Services. Fred was interested in politics, government, history, music and spending time with his family. He was a loving and devoted son, brother and uncle. The thing most people remember about Fred Sales was his pure soul and his shinning goodness. He performed numerous mitzvahs which no one was ever aware of until after his death. He helped people of every race, religion and age, financially, emotionally and spiritually. Fred never forgot a birthday or special occasion and was the first one there during illness or hard times. He constantly made phone calls and sent out cards and letters to those who needed a friend. He bought toys for his co-workers' children and spent many hours as a community volunteer. When Fred became ill at a young age, he maintained a positive and brave outlook. He suffered immensely and went through five surgeries, yet he never complained or asked "Why me?" He had complete faith that he would recover. It was his original idea to establish a Jewish Music Library in Buffalo in honor of his father and grandfather once he was well. The Fred, Joseph and Herman Sales Jewish Music Library, and the Fred H. Sales Music Fund has brought several major Jewish concerts to the Buffalo community. Fred H. Sales was a friend to all and will always be remembered for his good heart, kind deeds and true love of music. | |
CONSTITUENT AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER BUFFALO, INC.
AFFILATED WITH THE JEWISH EDUCATION SERVICES OF NORTH AMERICA
MEMBER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF HEBREW HIGH SCHOOLS
