Frederick W. Thumith Jr.

Frederick W. Thumith, Jr.--94 A lifelong resident of Somerville died peacefully on Saturday, March 30, 2013.

Fred was the beloved husband of the late Dorothea (Graham) Thumith of Somerville. Father of Donald Thumith of Maricopa, Arizona, Marylin Barry of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Joan Razzaboni of Medford, Dorothy Collins of Allston, Frederick Thumith III of Chelmsford, Ann Legaski of Somerville and Shirley Thumith of Somerville. Cherished grandfather of 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Fred was everyone's "Papa."

Fred is survived by his sisters Myrtle Acker of Oceanport, New Jersey and Marilyn Krienitz of Moneta, Virginia. He is predeceased by brothers Robert and Charlie Thumith, both of Somerville and sisters Freda Brouillette of St. Petersburg, Florida, Ruth Merlin of Somerville, Evelyn Roy of Providence, Rhode Island, Ida Carpenter of Burlington, Dorothea Yuskauskas of Ruther Glen, Virginia and Edith Bradford of Somerville. He was also an adored uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Fred was a part of "The Greatest Generation." He proudly served his country during WWII as a Corporal in the United States Army. Stationed in England, he was a Firefighter and Surgical Technician with the 158th General Hospital. Upon being honorably discharged in 1945, he was awarded the European Theatre Campaign Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal. Prior to his retirement in 1981, Fred worked for Garwood Truck Equipment, primarily as a welder. Through his retirement years he was a devoted member of the Boston Sparks Association and the Box 52 Association. Fred volunteered his time operating the A-30 canteen for the Boston Sparks throughout the 1980's and early 1990's, serving refreshments to first responders in disaster situations. He was dubbed "Mr. Reliable" during this time for his infallible dedication - any weather, any time of night - he was there. He simply took pride in serving those who served us. Fred was a kind and generous friend to all who knew him and will truly be missed.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours at the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) in Somerville on Thursday, April 4, from 4-8 p.m. A Funeral Home Service will be held on Friday, April 5, at 11 a.m. followed by Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred's memory to the Boston Sparks Association, Attn: Canteen Rehab Support Services, 344 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210.

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From the Boston Sparks Association:

Fred Thumith was the volunteer team leader of The Salvation Army Canteen, A-30, which was operated by the members of the BSA. In all kinds of weather, at all hours of the day or night, Fred responded with the canteen to the scene of a fire or unusual event. And he did it all with a warm smile and a funny comment while chewing on a tooth pick and wearing a Tempe, Arizona FD baseball cap. He was friend to all Firefighters, Police Officers, EMS staff and hundreds of fire buffs "sparks" in the Boston area. Fred represented The Salvation Army and the Boston Sparks Association very well. He was recognized by the Cambridge Firefighters Local 30, IAFF, at the Annual Firefighters Ball. Over the 12+ years Fred operated the canteen he received a "Thank You" from thousands of Firefighters who were grateful for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, all served with a smile and a friendly greeting. For Fred, that was all that needed. He loved his work on the canteen and his many FF friends. And they in return loved Fred. Fred made his final "run" with A 30 in 1991. He was a great man! Fred Thumith, may you Rest In Peace!