Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Fredette Obituary
Surprise, AZ - John Edmond Fredette, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Surprise, Arizona, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.
Born in Athol, Massachusetts, John was the son of the late Edmond and Lauza Fredette. He grew up in Athol, where he delivered the Athol Daily News, worked at Garbose Shoe Store on Main Street, and served as an altar boy at Our Lady Immaculate Church. He graduated from Athol High School in 1958 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in history from Saint Michael's College in Winooski, Vermont, in 1962. He later earned a master's degree in history from the University of Oklahoma in 1966 and completed additional studies at the Armed Forces Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
Colonel Fredette entered the United States Air Force in 1962 and served for 24 years, rising to the rank of Colonel. His distinguished career in the Personnel field took him across the globe, with assignments in Michigan, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Texas, Taiwan, Korea, Philippines, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. He concluded his military service at the Pentagon, where he worked with the Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Manpower and Personnel. He retired in 1986 and went on to work as a consultant for various companies before settling in New River, Arizona in 1998 and then Sarasota, Florida in 2018.
Among his many honors, Colonel Fredette received the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Outstanding Unit Award.
John was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Geraldine "Gerri" (Hoelscher) Fredette and brother Edward "Fred" Fredette. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Troy and Rini Fredette of Tampa, Florida; his daughter and son-in-law, Danielle Fredette-Frie and Paul Frie of Surprise, Arizona; two grandchildren Vailynne Grace Fredette & Tiernan Patrick Gilbert-Fredette.
In memory of John and in recognition of his 10+ year fight with Parkinson's disease, the family kindly requests that any donations be made to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Fredette
2 Entries
Sandi Fredette
August 9, 2025
Dear Troy and Danielle and families~
I was so saddened to read of cousin John's passing...I am Jim & Shirley Fredette's daughter and was close to Aunt Lauza & Uncle Edmond. I was always so proud of your Dad. I admired his character and quiet countenance. He always had a smile and kind word. I was not aware he suffered with Parkinsons..so I am grateful that he is totally healed and in the arms of Jesus. May God comfort you with that knowledge also.....In His Love~ Sandi Fredette
Joe & Shirley Kaczmarczyk
August 7, 2025
When John, Gerri and Fred came to Athol they would aways visit us. Many times I made spaghetti and meatballs, John´s favorite. Miss all of them. Joe and John were close classmates.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in John Fredette's name
Memorial Events
for John Fredette
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Fredette's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
