WILMINGTON, MA — Frederick J. Squires, Jr., “Fred” age 90, of Wilmington, died unexpectedly on January 28, 2017, at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington.
Fred was born in Medford, MA on January 3, 1927; he was the dear son of the late Frederick J. Sr. and Selina Squires. Fred was raised and educated in Somerville and a graduate of Somerville Technical Vocational High School.
Following graduation, Fred enlisted in the United States Navy on September 22, 1944 during WWII. Little did Fred know that this would be the beginning of an impressive career with the Navy; he would serve the Country for over 47 years as active duty as well as a Navy reservist. Fred started his career in the Navy as an electrician’s mate aboard the USS Everett F. Larson serving overseas and earning several medals for his honorable service. He was discharged into the Naval reserves in December 1947. Fred was again activated in September of 1950 during the Korean war; he served as an electrician foreman aboard the USS Capricornis and was decorated for serving during the Navy Occupation. Fred was again honorably discharged from active duty on June 12, 1952; returning to reserve duty. Fred was recalled to active duty on October 26, 1961; he was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis and actively served during the Vietnam War as an electrician’s foreman, a radioman, and was very talented when it came to the aircraft. Fred’s duties were endless he was also very instrumental in training fellow sailors and Naval reconnaissance. Fred was released from active duty in April of 1962 and served the rest of his Naval career in the reserves; he finally retired from the Navy in 1991 as a Chief Petty Officer following a remarkable career.
Fred married the “love of his life” Madeline Dion in 1947; the couple shared many wonderful years together until her passing in June of 2008. Fred and Madeline settled in Wilmington where they raised two great daughters Linda and Karen. Fred enjoyed traveling; some of his favorite trips were to Maine during the summer with his wife and daughters, to Sarasota, Florida, a family trip to Tennessee where he enjoyed the Grand Ole Opry, and in later years he took a Tiger Cruise out of Hawaii with his grandson; this was a trip of a lifetime for both of them.
Fred’s unconditional love and support for his family was unwavering; he was always there for them. Aside from being a devoted husband and father, Fred was also a terrific father-in-law, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and a true friend to many. Fred was the type of person who would go out of his way to help anyone, he was always dependable, and could fix anything.
To say that Fred was a hard worker is an understatement; Fred was self taught in mechanics, plumbing, and electrical to mention a few. Fred had a brilliant mind and vast knowledge of many different subjects not to mention a work ethic that was unbeaten. Fred was always the first to show up on the job, he always had a smile on his face, he got right to work and was always the last to leave because he needed to make sure everything was done and in order. Fred was also generous with his time and talents to teach others.
Fred went to work as an engineer with Klein Associates in New Hampshire which was a start up company at the time and he soon became best of friends with the owner Martin Klein. Fred and Martin traveled all over the country plugging their inventions; many times they drove wherever they needed to be because they couldn’t afford the airfare but that never swayed them, Fred did most of the driving as he was also an experienced trucker for many years; he always did what had to be done. Fifty years ago, Fred and Martin introduced their E.G. & G. side scan sonar to the world; they changed the history of ocean exploration and participated in many trials for the government. Fred’s knowledge of ocean exploration was instrumental in his involvement with Jacques Cousteau as they searched for the Loch Ness Monster.
Besides an amazing career, Fred also took the time to volunteer for several organizations that were very close to his heart. Fred was a member of the American Legion and the local VFW where he could help other service men and women who were returning from active duty. Fred was a Mason at the Mystic Valley Lodge in Arlington and a Shriner; Fred volunteered countless hours of his time and his talents with their many fundraisers; he was never too busy to do for others. Up until last week Fred was still volunteering every Tuesday at the Wilmington Shriner’s and it is rumored that the Roller Derby Tournaments were his favorite.
This past January 7th, Fred’s family celebrated his 90th Birthday and it was well attended by over 100 people young and old. Fred had an endearing personality and a genuine ability to relate to everyone no matter what their age; his kindness and compassion for others was unwavering.
Fred will be fondly remembered for his patriotism, integrity, loyalty, courage, generosity, and intelligence; he had a wonderful sense of humor and a great smile that warmed everyone’s heart. Fred will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Fred was the beloved husband of the late Madeline M. (Dion) Squires, devoted father of Linda L. Minor of Westfield and Karen J. Baro & husband William of Townsend, loving “Grampa” of James Minor, Kimberly Flematti, William Baro Jr., Edward Baro, Jamie Baro, Carrie Zmijewski, “Great-Papa” of Kailey, Keith, Joshua, Samantha, Andrew, Casey, Matthew, Dylan, Brandon, Trent, Ava, Aubrie and “Great-Great-Papa” of Sawyer. Cherished son of the late Frederick J. Sr. and Selina (Robbins) Squires, dear brother of George Squires of Pelham, NH, Barbara Jones of Billerica and Marjorie Lazarus of Tuscon, AZ. Fred is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family & friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Thursday, February 2nd at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service in St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 14 Treble Cove Road, North Billerica at 11:00 a.m. Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 1st from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Memorial donations in Frederick’s name may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children- Boston, Attn: Development Office, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.
(NOTE: The above obituary is from Nichols Funeral Home.)
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