James Francis Federico, 75, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully
Monday, January 14, 2008 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a courageous battle
with lung cancer. He was the loving husband of Sheila (Ferdinand) Federico.
Born in Burlington, VT, he was the son of the late James and Mildred
(LaDue) Federico. A former resident of Winthrop for over 20 years, he had
been a resident of New Bedford for the last 15 years. James was a 1951
graduate of Medford High school and East Coast Aerotechnical School.
He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving 4 years as an aviation maintenance technician. For 28 years he was a firefighter/EMT with
the Winthrop Fire Department, serving for 2 years as union president and a longtime volunteer in the fundraising effort to fight Muscular Dystrophy. Since 1977, he was a member of the Rosicrucian Order, Amorc, serving as Master of the Johannes Kelpius Lodge as well as Regional Monitor and Grand Councilor of the New England area. He was also a member of the Providence Pronaos. James enjoyed a very active retirement and loved to spend time with family and friends. He was an avid writer, who especially enjoyed writing poetry and speeches. He was a member of the North Shore Poetry Society. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Church where he
volunteered at the food pantry and at Market Ministries, a program for the
homeless. He also belongs to the Star of Sea Spiritual Center. Besides
his wife Sheila, he is survived by his first wife, Grace Federico, and a sister
Bette Federico, both of Winthrop, 2 sons, Scott Federico of Somerset and
Michael Federico of Winthrop, a daughter, Susan Tarascio of Simsbury, CT,
3 stepdaughters, Debra Chmiel and Linda Grenier, both of New Bedford,
and Sheree Weihrauch of Foxboro, and 5 nieces and nephews. He was
predeceased by a third son, Noel Alexander (AKA Thomas Federico). James
took great pride in his 8 grandchildren. In accordance with his wish, there
will be no calling or funeral hours. Family and friends are invited to attend
memorial services which will be held at Johannes Kelpius in Allaston
on Sunday, January 27 at 1:00 P.M. and at St. Andrew’s Church in New
Bedford on Sunday, February 10 at 12:00 P.M.. In lieu of flowers, donations
may be sent to Johannes Kelpius Lodge, AMORC, P.O. Box 273, Allston
MA 02134.