Search by Name

Search by Name

Fred Freeman Chellis Jr.

Fred Freeman Chellis Jr. obituary

FUNERAL HOME

Bibber Memorial Chapel - Berwick

62 Cemetery Road

Berwick, Maine

Fred Chellis Obituary

Fred Freeman Chellis, Jr.

BERWICK, Maine - Fred Freeman Chellis, Jr., 60, of Berwick, Maine, passed away peacefully at home in the arms of his loving family on June 24, 2014. With hope and determination, he bravely fought a fast moving cancer.

Born June 28, 1953 in Beverly, Mass., son of the late Fred and June (Greenough) Chellis, he grew up in Manchester-By-The-Sea, Mass. where his love of the ocean began. At age 17, his family moved to Concord, Mass. where he met his future wife, Priscilla.

Fred was a 1971 graduate of Concord-Carlisle High School. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves where he remained for 19 years as a small arms instructor and small boat captain. He entered Wentworth Institute, earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1976. On June 26, 1976, he married Priscilla Berglind, and they lived in Newburyport and Byfield, Mass., finally settling in Berwick, Maine in 1982.

His engineering career took him to GTE Sylvania, Wang Labs, and Moore Business Forms before starting his own companies of Freeman & Freeman, Inc. and Freeman Vision and Automation. As time went on, his love of woodworking took over and after learning the art of Windsor chairmaking, he and Priscilla started Little River Windsors. For 12 years, they worked side-by-side making hundreds of chairs in the traditional method with traditional tools. Their favorite part was demonstrating the art at various museums and fairs. Fred became a juried member of the League of N.H. Craftsman, Guild of N.H. Woodworkers and The Society of Period Furniture Makers. Most recently, he was Assistant Manager at Woodcraft in Newington, where his expertise in all aspects of tools was appreciated by many.

Fred played the bagpipes and trumpet and held the ham radio call sign of WA1YRT. His Scottish heritage and family history searches brought a strong connection to his past. After being involved with scouting as a youth, he joined Berwick Scout Troop 313, becoming their long time scoutmaster. He continued to support scouting on the district level with the Pine Tree Council. Fred was a dedicated Deacon, Trustee, Treasurer and Auditor at First Parish UCC Somersworth. He cherished time with his family the most, never hesitating to speak of his love for them. His only regret was leaving them behind so soon.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Priscilla; son Eric Chellis and wife Stefanie Roderick of Berwick; daughter Christina Chellis and fiance Geoff Giles of Somersworth; son Jonathan Chellis and wife Elizabeth of Lebanon, Maine; sister Lee-Ann and husband Fred Wessel of Northampton, Mass.; several nieces, nephews and cousins.



An hour of calling will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 1 at First Parish UCC (Congregational), 176 West High St, Somersworth, N.H. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Mark A. Rideout officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Fred's name may be made to First Parish UCC (Congregational).

Arrangements are under the direction of Bibber-Laing Funeral Home, 36 Rochester St, Berwick, Maine. To leave a message of condolence, please go to http://www.bibbermemorial.com.

Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.

Published by Foster's Daily Democrat from Jun. 29 to Jul. 3, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Fred Chellis

Not sure what to say?





I got to know Fred mainly through Woodcraft, but also on occasion at Guild meetings. He is a prince of a man, always willing to assist, and a pleasure to discuss new woodturning projects with. I will miss him greatly. My best to his family.

Don Larnard

July 2, 2014

I am extremely sorry for your loss, I enjoyed very much working with Fred in showing others how to make chairs. Fred was a very kind and generous man

Kevin Ainsworth

July 2, 2014

I am sincerely sorry for loss. Fred was a kind and generous instructor and friend. He will be missed.

Jerry Olson

July 2, 2014

I am very sorry for your loss. Fred was a generous and kind man, and will be missed.

Dan Faia

July 1, 2014

I'm sorry for your loss. Fred was a great inspiration to me and always had words of encouragement whenever I spoke with him about scouting. I will always remember him as a leader & trainer of boys and men.

George Fecteau

July 1, 2014

Priscilla,we are sorry your loss,offering heartfelt sympathy to you and family,
Thoughts and prayers are you all during this difficult time.
God bless,Sue and Butch

Suzanne Boucher

June 30, 2014

To Priscilla, Eric, Christina and Jon: Our most heartfelt sympathies are with you at the loss of your beloved husband and father. He was a wonderful man and we will miss him. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Please know that you have the love of all of your friends at First Parish.

With Much Love,

Craig & Linda Breden

June 30, 2014

So sorry for your loss of a good man,husband and father. Praying that your heart will heal, and the fond memories from friends and family help to bring peace and comfort to you in the coming weeks.

Tom and Nancy Powers

June 30, 2014

EVEN THOUGH I CANT BE WITH YOU MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. CHARLIE DEROY

CHARLES DEROY

June 30, 2014

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

The Bibber Family

June 30, 2014

Priscilla, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. May the love of family and friends bring you peace and comfort.

Dottie Douglas

June 29, 2014

Priscilla, I am very sorry for your loss.

Carol Cavanaugh

June 29, 2014

Priscilla and Family, Our deepest sympathy for your loss. My parents thought the world of your family. Will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Gary & Darlene Hingston Crandall

June 29, 2014

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in Fred Chellis's name

Memorial Events
for Fred Chellis

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Bibber Memorial Chapel - Berwick

62 Cemetery Road, Berwick, ME 03901

How to support Fred's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished 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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
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 more
Ways to honor Fred Chellis's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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