Frederick M. Bodington Jr., a born and bred Little Compton Swamp Yankee, passed away Saturday, November 2nd at Charlton Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was 82. Fred was particularly proud of the fact that he lived in Little Compton for 80 out of his 82 years. He was the son of the late Frederick M. and Julia (Mason) Bodington.
Fred was a graduate of Monson Academy. He later attended Colby College in Maine and graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 1958. At his 50th reunion from Wentworth he received an Honorary Bachelor of Science degree in recognition of his dedication and support of the Institute,
In 1960 he married the love of his life Muriel (Burns). They would have celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary this coming May. Together they have 3 children; Frederick M. III (Ted) and his wife Peggy, Russell O. and his wife Karen, and Marsha Berube and her husband David. He also leaves 7 grandchildren, 4 great granddaughters and many nieces and nephews.
Fred never met someone he couldn't talk to; Sunday mornings he and Muriel would walk up to the Commons Lunch for breakfast where he would catch up with town news. In the Spring and Fall he would work in the yard, and tried valiantly to keep the squirrels from the bird feeders. For many years he and Muriel could be seen driving around town in a series of convertibles, top down, with the "hat" in plain view.
Summertime saw Fred and family boating and waterskiing on the Westport or Taunton Rivers. Well into his 70s he could be seen skiing behind the boat, patched up ski vest, and the "hat" turned backwards so it wouldn't fly off. He also liked a good game of golf where he generally had no trouble outshooting his sons.
Just as Fred never met a person he couldn't talk to, he never met a glass of red wine he didn't like, or a piece of dessert he could turn down. When asked at the holidays whether he would like cake or pie, his usual answer was "yes." He was famous for helping his grandchildren clean their plates, especially if there was dessert left on it.
He was a tireless worker, well known in the area as the service engineer for Burns Tools where he worked for over 50 years. Prior to that he worked for the New England Butt Company in Providence and Continental Screw in Rochester, New York. He also served in the Rhode Island National Guard. Fred was a member of the Little Compton United Congregational Church, Briggs Beach and a jack of all trades.
His passing has left a hole in our hearts that cannot be filled.
Memorial service to which relatives and friends are invited will be Thursday, November 7, 2019 at the Little Compton United Congregational Church at 11:00 A.M.
Calling hours will be Wednesday at the Potter Funeral Home from 5-8 P.M.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wellness Center, 115 East Main Rd., Little Compton, RI 02837.