Fernando A. Pola

SANDWICH — Mr. Pola passed away on Dec. 31, 2007, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family and friends.

A native of Sandwich, he graduated from Henry T. Wing School and then served in the armed forces as an aviation cadet and gunner's mate during World War II. He attended Dartmouth College and received his Bachelor of Science and master's degrees from Tufts University.

In 1954, he and his family moved to Wheelus Air Force Base in Tripoli, Libya, which began a long career with the Department of Defense in the K-12 educational system as a teacher, and eventually, as acting superintendent. This career took him to Evreux, France, Verona, Italy, Wiesbaden and Hahn, Germany, and a final posting in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. While abroad, he also taught history at several different universities.

In 1961, the French government honored Mr. Pola by making him a chevalier, Des Palmes Academiques, the highest honor awarded by the French Ministry of Education.

In 1983, he and his wife, hometown sweetheart Louise Lambert, retired to their home in Sandwich. In retirement, he enjoyed working until May of 2007 as a part-time security guard at the local power plant.

Throughout his life, Fred appreciated the outdoors of Cape Cod as an avid hunter, fisherman, shellfisherman and gardener. He was also a historian and avid reader.

One of his fondest retirement accomplishments was his volunteer work with the "Geezer Brigade" to rebuild the Sandwich Boardwalk in 1991-1992.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years; four children, Gustavo Jeffery and Lynne Louise of Sandwich, Michele Marie and Andrea Lee of Houston, Texas; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Nora Hoxie and Carlo Pola, both of Sandwich.

There will be no services at this time. A memorial gathering with family and friends will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a cancer research, Alzheimer's research or Hospice charity of one's choice.