Frederick Owen, born on July 3, 1957, in Waukegan, IL, grew up in Dorchester. He sadly passed away on March 6, 2024, surrounded by caring friends. He was a man who had a smile and a friendly word for everyone. He would say hi, start a conversation with you, and a few minutes later, you would feel like you had known each other forever. He had a sense of humor and a kind heart. People would see him at the edge of Savin Hill Park, having a smoke, as they drove in off the Boulevard and would wave. Soon the neighborhood was calling him the Mayor of Savin Hill. He was a beloved member of the community.
His other nickname was the dog whisperer. He had a huge following among our furry friends, who took to him immediately. People asked him to walk their dogs and soon he had to start turning them down—his business was booming. But his favorite pooch was his own dog Brandy. She loved to hang out with him when he dressed her up for Halloween and they handed out candy together to the kids or when Fred set up a table on the front lawn at the neighborhood yard sale.
Fred was employed at various jobs. As a member of the Teamsters, he drove the streets of Boston and knew them like the back of his hand. He worked in the cafeteria in the Federal Reserve Bank building and earned praise from the people he served for being pleasant, efficient, and courteous. Some of them even wrote letters to his bosses to show their appreciation of him.
He was a recovered alcoholic. He completed the substance abuse program at the James F. Gavin House in South Boston. March 17, 1998, was his sober date. Just a few days ago he would have marked twenty-six years of sobriety.
Fred is survived by his stepsons Gregory and Mark as well as uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Visiting hours for Fred will be at the Casper Funeral Home in South Boston on Saturday, March 23, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the James F. Gavin House will be appreciated.