ALPER, Frederic M. Passed away on August 9 after a long illness. He was 79. Fred rose to prominence as the president and later chairman of Morris Alper, Inc., one of the largest food brokerage companies in the country. As the third generation of his family to lead the business founded by his grandfather, Fred presided over a period of enormous growth in the company's fortunes. He also served on the board of the National Food Brokers Association. Before his tenure at Morris Alper, Fred worked in the supermarket business in Latin America. He earned an A.B. from Brown University, an M.A. from the University of Washington, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. After retiring from Morris Alper at age 55, Fred led an active life as a trustee at Brown, an active angel investor, and a professor of entrepreneurial studies at Babson College. During this period, Fred sat on more than 20 boards of directors and advisors, including Kettle Cuisine and King Arthur Flour. He was also a generous donor to multiple political and charitable causes, including reproductive rights, civil liberties, and medical research. Fred was a lover of classical music and enjoyed playing tennis. Fred leaves behind two sons, Michael and Jeremy; two daughters-in-law, Rashmi Goel and Jody Feder; and his four grandchildren, Aaron, Avi, Evan, and Natalie. He is also survived by siblings, Dan Alper, Noah Alper, and Judy Alper Smith, as well as his beloved wife, Donna Mager and his step-daughter, Julie Gaieski. His late wife, Peggy Tenenbaum Alper, passed away in 1999. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 18, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at the Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at www.dana-farber.org for its hematologic oncology program, 10 Brookline Place, West, 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445. www.lawlerfuneralhome.com

Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home

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Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 11 to Aug. 12, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for FREDERIC ALPER

23 Entries

James Johnston

March 13, 2019

I learned today of Fred's passing. For ten years I was in Kettle Cuisine board meetings with Fred, learning from a master. He was also a board member at Rustic Crust and a great influence there, and instrumental in introducing me to that company. Fred taught me well, in business and in life. We still think of him every time we use the King Arthur (another company he introduced me to) cookbook he gave us at a small gathering in his home at East India Row.

Donna and all, my heart goes out to you. Donna, remember the time Fred lost his passport in England? That was when I got to know you a bit, because he was trying to make it back in time for a board meeting. You were so in tune with him and sympathetic to his plight.

--Jim Johnston, Lexington, MA ([email protected])

ROBERT LA DOW

January 7, 2019

MY WIFE AND I WERE SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE PASSING OF FRED. I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH FRED AT MORRIS ALPER FOR 20 YEARS. HE WAS ONE GREAT GUY!
OUR CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF FRED'S FAMILY.
SINCERELY,
ROBERT & CLAIRE LA DOW

August 28, 2018

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

August 23, 2018

With my sincere sympathy to your family, may your treasured memories continue to provide a measure of comfort and peace to the family. Please be strengthened from (Isaiah 61:1,2) our God "binds up the broken-hearted and comforts all who mourn".

August 20, 2018

To the family of Mr. Frederic M. Alper, I offer my sincere condolence. Losing a loved one in death is never easy, during such times many have found comfort in the loving memories shared with their loved one, may this bring you comfort as well. (John 3:16)

Steve Riseman

August 18, 2018

My deepest sympathies to all that loved Fred. It was an honor and a blessing to learn from him. May his memory always be a blessing. Rest well Fred and thank you.

Leigh and Ron Tarsntinon

August 18, 2018

Dear Donna and Family,

The passing of the incredible man is felt by all who knew him. He was especially kind and thoughtful and a true gentleman. Our hearts are full of numerous wonderful memories shared. We are very fortunate he was in our lives and we will miss him dearly.

Our deepest condolences to Donna and family.

Lorna and Jerry Shafir

August 17, 2018

Dear Donna and family,

We were so sad to hear the news of Fred's passing. He was such a wonderful mentor, music lover and gentleman, and he has left a big hole in our universe. His wonderful laugh with his shoulders shaking made us smile. We were lucky to have him as a friend.

Our condolences go out to those who loved him and will miss him.

with sympathy

melissa alvarez

August 15, 2018

We are so sorry to hear this sad sad news. Jeremy may your family find comfort in each others hugs, we at a distance hold your family's hand and send prayers for you all.
We thank your father for bringing our familias togheter ,his great smile and warm heart will forever stay with us...

Alison May

August 15, 2018

I am so sorry to hear about Fred's passing. I worked with him on the Board of Directors of King Arthur Flour where he served with distinction for many years. He was delightful, interesting, kind, intelligent, and always a gentleman. I will miss him enormously and send my deepest condolences to his wife and family. What a loss.

August 15, 2018

Donna, I never met you or your daughter since I knew Fred before he met both of you, but I do want to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of Fred. I neglected to mention it in my first message. Im sure that Fred's last years were just glorious with you & your daughter. What she wrote brought tears to my eyes.

I sincerely hope that your wonderful memories bring you joy & comfort.

Rena Green

August 14, 2018

We wer e. Very sorry to hear of Fred's passing and of his long illness.
We have many fond memories of Fred . Our deepest condolences to micheal and Jeremy. Ellen and Gerry Bazer

Henry Vannasse

August 13, 2018

Fred was the Bast of the Best . I was lucky to have worked with him

August 13, 2018

Terri and Len Kovacs are so sad to hear about Fred's passing. Fred was our friend , teacher , mentor , and constructive advisor . Under Fred , it was a family of totally committed associates learning , changing and growing to what the times called for . It was also fun because we all worked together towards one goal to be the best Food Broker in the United States . Under his leadership , we were the best . We will miss you . Rest in peace , dear friend .

Mike O'Connell

August 13, 2018

Fred was a brilliant, wonderful person whose generosity affected the lives and careers of so many. I was lucky to be one of those people who benefited from his wisdom and leadership. Thank you Fred. God bless.

Brookline High Schoo; Class of 1956

August 13, 2018

Brookline High Class of 1956 Alumni send our deepest condolences to Fred's wife Donna, sons Michael and Jeremy and stepdaughter Julie, brothers Dan, Noah and sister Judy and 4 grandchildren and his entire extended Family and Friends.

August 13, 2018

To Donna and the family. Fred was an inspiring man. I valued hie friendship for 38 years when he started helping me in the Food Brokerage business in the U.K. as mentor and guide all those years ago. He was lucky to have had two wonderful wives, great children and such a close Alper family. He is simply irreplaceable. I'll still tell my Alperisms but with even greater affection

John Eustace U.K.

August 12, 2018

My heartfelt sympathys go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope the words in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring you some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

August 12, 2018

Fred, we will miss you. You are a model of integrity, wisdom and courage for all of us in your way of living and dying. Donna and family, we grieve with you. Your solid support meant so much to Fred.
Peace, Natalie & Gary Robinson

Peter Lewenberg

August 12, 2018

Very sad to hear this news. Fred was a major influence in my life as a mentor and as a friend. He gave me my first real job at Morris Alper & Sons and mentored my career with advice and caring that allowed me to grow and succeed in both business and in life. He and Peggy became close friends to Gail and me. He was a good friend and wonderful caring person who will be greatly missed.

August 11, 2018

Dear Michael & Jeremy, my deepest & sincere sympathy goes to both of you. I was a good friend of Peggy, & got to knew Fred as well. He was a peach of a guy.. funny, honest & smart.

Please know I am thinking of you & hope that you will find comfort in wonderful memories.

Rena Green
(Formerly Nova Hair Designs)

Julie Gaieski

August 11, 2018

I will miss our chats, your wisdom, and how you'd laugh as you'd tell a funny story. I'll always be grateful for the gift of you in our lives, your nurturing role as my stepfather, and the time we had together. You mean so much, Fred, and always will. Love, Julie

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