Frederick Anthony Rioles died peacefully at home on Thursday April 17, 2014 at the age of 80. He was the cherished son of the late Paul Rioles and Matilda (Del Russo) Rioles and the brother of Pauline Geronda, Eleanor Reilly, Anthony Rioles, Florence Rioles, Paul Richard Rioles, Florence Rioles, and Robert Rioles. He carried on a never-ending love affair with his wife, Lois (Martin), for 58 years, and he will be deeply missed by his children Karen Arbuckle and her husband Willie of Mansfield, MA, Paul Rioles and his wife Susan of Bellingham, MA, Michael Rioles and his wife Catherine of Boston, MA, Frederick Rioles, Jr. and his wife Teresa of Weymouth, MA, Andrea Rodericks and her husband Ron of Hanover, MA, Lisa Collins and her husband Christopher of Dover, MA, and Nicole Rioles of Boston, MA. Fred was adored by his 16 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends and everyone who had the chance to bask in the sunshine of Fred’s love. His kind heart was boundless in its generosity.
Fred was born and raised in Providence, RI. He graduated from LaSalle Academy and attended the University of Rhode Island and University of California, Los Angeles. He served in the Army during the Korean War. As newlyweds, Fred and Lois moved to southern California and lived there for twelve years, before moving back to New England to raise seven children.
Fred began his sales career as a door-to-door Fuller Brush salesman in Providence. In California, he took a job with Ayerst Laboratories, and it was immediately clear that he had found his calling. He spent over thirty years as a pharmaceutical sales rep, winning awards as well as the hearts of all the doctors, nurses, and pharmacists that he served.
All the goodness and compassion that he exuded stemmed from his steadfast faith in God, never doubting, never waivering. His faith carried him through many trials, important decisions, and lifetime milestones. He was an active and vibrant member of the Catholic community. He served as a communicant, and for many years he led the prayer group at St. Joseph’s church in Medway.
He was a problem-solver, practical, and loved projects that pushed his design and carpentry skills, leading him to build two homes and complete countless home remodeling and renovation projects; from roofs to basements, he did it all, with ingenuity, thrift and economy.
Fred and Lois skied, cycled, kayaked and hiked their way across New England, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and France together. He especially enjoyed visiting Monteroduni, Italy, where he was able to reconnect with his mother’s family and build a bond for the next generations.
The Rioles house was always overflowing with people; family from near and far, exchange students from abroad, friends and neighbors to share a meal. Fred’s door and his heart were always open to those in need.
Fred led by example and was humble and confident, hard working and pragmatic. He shared advice without judgment. But most of all, he had a radiating kindness that touched everyone in his life. And his life was a celebration and a feast.
Fred’s table was an extension of his expansive heart and a place was open for everyone- his family- his friends- abundant, overflowing with delicious love. Epic cooking events and holidays included grinding 220 pounds of meat into sausage casings; days of cooking to serve a dozen fish dishes for his Christmas Eve celebration; and making and eating the ethereal ravioli, the recipe passed down from his mother.
In the spirit of Fred, let us continue to celebrate together and share the love.
The family will be receiving friends and relatives on Monday April 21 from 3:00-8:00pm at Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home, 50 County Rd, Mattapoisett, MA. Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals Tuesday, April 22nd at 10 AM. Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Parish, 22 Barstow St, Mattapoisett, MA at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: MGH Development Office, Attn: Shawn Fitzgibbons, MGH Neurology/Dr. Gomperts LBD Fund, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 1310, Boston, MA 02114 or online at https://giving.massgeneral.org or Sacred Threads Center, 71 Walnut Park, Newton, MA 02458 www.sacredthreadscenter.org