Fred John Pecci passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 19, 2018 surrounded by family at the age of 91. A lifelong Franklin resident, he lived in his family's homestead for over 90 years.
Fred graduated from Franklin High School, but due to his joining the Navy in May 1945, where he was a member of the “Seabees” and attained the rank of CM3/C, his sister, Ellie, was tasked to accept his high school diploma on his behalf. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Medal; he was honorably discharged in August 1946.
Although he had no formal training, he was a jack-of -all-trades, plumber, electrician, handyman, carpenter, locksmith and all-round "fixer-of-all-things" guy. He proudly was employed by J. D. Daddario for 53 years.
As a young boy, he accompanied his father on what would affectionately become known as "The Rounds". In later years, he became the self-appointed President and continued this tradition with his nephews and wonderful family and friends well into his eighties. This decades long, bi-annual tradition of dropping by loved ones' homes on Easter and Christmas morning still continues, however, his role as President will surely never be appointed to anyone else.
In 1975, he built "Fred's Shed" on the homestead property, where local men (no women allowed) would spend each Saturday afternoon, playing cards, watching sports and causing a healthy raucous. Fred's Shed "closed" in 2013, at which point "Ralph's Shed" was built across town to ensure that the weekly Saturday afternoon frivolity would continue with the next generation.
Later in life, Fred ran a knife sharpening business where, instead of financial payment, he would typically barter. If ever a family member or friend needed anything, it was often a safe bet that Fred had acquired it from a recent knife sharpening transaction.
Fred enjoyed gardening, practical jokes, supporting local sports teams, especially the Sox and Patriots and spending time with family and friends.
An active communicant at St. Mary Church in Franklin, he also was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1847, the Franklin Sons of Italy-Quattro Eroi Lodge #1414, St. Anthony's, and the VFW Post 3402.
Fred was preceded in death by his father, Martin, and mother, Richetta (Pacelli), both of whom emigrated from Italy before they found their new home and raised their family in Franklin. He was also preceded in death by his five siblings, brothers Tilly and Tony, and sisters, Ellie (Smith), Maffie (D'Afile) and Angie (Bertoni).
In addition to his wife, Jeanette C. “Jan” (Lizotte) Pecci of 61 years, he leaves behind nieces and nephews including, Joan Geer, Barbara Razzano, Nancy Woodward, Kathleen Mittelbach, Sheila O’Toole, Anthony Pecci, Ann Marie Crowley, Peter Bertoni and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass Tuesday July 24th, at 11:30AM in St. Jude Church 86 Main St. Norfolk, MA. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Franklin.
Calling hours are Tuesday at the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. from 9:30-11AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust 401 Park Dr. Suite 602 Boston, MA 02115 or the Alzheimer’s Association 480 Pleasant St. Watertown, MA 02472.
Guestbook/directions www.oterifuneralhome.com