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