Allan E. Fearn

Allan Edward "Al" Fearn of Shrewsbury, MA passed away on January 28, 2025, at the age of 93.
Born in the Beacon Hill area of Boston, he was the first-generation son of Hilda and Edward Fearn, immigrants from England and Scotland. As the son of a master machinist, Al grew up with a deep, lifelong love of fine craftsmanship and a job well- done. As a young boy, Al learned to sail at Community Boating on the Charles River. It was there he found his passion that he pursued his entire life. He was also an Air Force veteran serving with the 6920th Security Group as an interpreter for Chinese radio communications during the Korean War. After the war, Al furthered his education and went on to graduate from Boston University.
Al's legacy is rich and enduring as a lifelong learner and educator. He was a beloved technology education teacher at David Prouty High School for 33 years. Al was also an avid skier and volunteer ski patrol at Ward Hill and Mt. Wachusett. In his retirement years, Al returned to a childhood love of model sailboats, which he meticulously built and sailed in multiple model racing clubs.
Other than his family, Al's greatest pride was Regatta Point Community Sailing on Lake Quinsigamond. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts asked him to establish Regatta Point as an outreach of Community Boating in Boston. Al was the lifeblood of Regatta Point from its opening day in 1960 and as manager for 40 years until his retirement in 2000.
Even then, he continued as an advisor, mentor, and trusted old salt until his death.
Al is survived by Janice, his wife of 66 years, and five daughters: Lisa Fearn of Seattle, WA; Pamela Edwards of Topsfield, MA; Susan Torchia of Hickory, NC; Heather Scholnick of Hamilton, MA and Cheryl Vicario of Davidson, NC; as well as 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Over the years, Al maintained a wide circle of former co-workers and friends, including Joe Rinaldi and Casey Duva who enriched his life immensely in his golden years.
A remembrance and visitation will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. There will be a memorial from 10-10:30 AM followed by open visitation from 10:30 AM till 12:00 Noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Al's memory by donating in his name to Regatta Point Community Sailing @ regattapoint.org/donate. Your contribution will help ensure that his legacy continues to inspire the love of sailing for youth by providing funds for those who otherwise might not have the opportunity to set sail and find the confidence to steer their own course.
Al lived each day to its fullest and always had wind in his sails.
May the wind always be at your back and the sun upon your face. And may the wings of destiny carry you aloft to sail among the stars.