Frederick Richard Sanfilippo Jr.

1930 - 2016

Frederick Richard Sanfilippo, Jr.

Fred Sanfilippo, 86, died at home in Tallahassee on April 17, 2016 from pulmonary fibrosis and heart failure. He was born on April 2, 1930, in Quincy, MA, to Frederick Sanfilippo, Sr. and Flora Pelligrini Sanfilippo. At 18 months old, Fred moved to Sacramento, CA, with his father where he lived until age 9. He then lived with his mother in Pittsburgh, PA, for several years, later returning to California.

After high school, he spent four years in the U.S. Navy. He later trained to be a firefighter for the Los Angeles Fire Dept., sustaining an injury that forced him to retire. From there he became an award-winning real estate agent and broker. He dabbled in many careers throughout his lifetime—financial adviser, career counselor (where he met his current wife), income tax instructor, and Wakulla Springs jungle boat tour guide to name a few. He loved music and played tunes from classical to modern on his keyboard. He also enjoyed arts and crafts and created multimedia art works. Even in his last few months he was thinking about new projects. One of his main passions was wheels. He bought and traded vehicles throughout his lifetime—cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, motor homes, bicycles—probably numbering in the hundreds. In his last days he was pondering trading in his Honda Fit for a Miata.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Janet Carol; his daughter Constance Jean Sewell (Mark) and his two grandchildren Lisa Malvini (Dante) and Stephen Sewell. He is also survived by three half brothers: Charles Sanfilippo (Shirley), Robert Sanfilippo (Linda), and Thomas Sanfilippo along with four nephews and one niece. His wacky sense of humor, exuberance for life, intense loyalty, and friendship will be missed.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Our heartfelt thanks to our doctors, Big Bend Hospice, the EMS teams in Tallahassee, Visiting Angels and the many friends who have offered support to us in the transition. There are no words to fully express your kindness. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Big Bend Hospice.