Wilfred L'Esperance

1943 - 2018

Fred L'Esperance, 74

Worcester - Wilfred G. "Freddie" L'Esperance, 74, of Worcester, died Sunday, July 29, 2018 at the UMass Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

Freddie leaves his wife Peggy, of 48 glorious years; three daughters, Lori Degnan and her husband Shawn of Worcester, Marni White and her husband Timothy of Paxton; Tiffani Evers and her husband Derek of Worcester; six adoring grandchildren, Lindsay and Cole Degnan, Trevor and Hannah White, and Abigail and Luke Evers; a special sister-in-law Maryjane L'Esperance of South Yarmouth; and two loving nieces, Cristina Amyot and JoAnna Robbins both of New Jersey. His twin brother Francis died in 2013. His mother Clara died in 2001 and his father Wilfred in 1945.

Freddie was born in Worcester on October 19, 1943, son of Wilfred G. and Clara (Muir) L'Esperance, and lived in Worcester all of his life.

He was a graduate of the former Commerce High School where he was an outstanding varsity and All-City basketball player.

Freddie was a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served as an aide to the Navy Captain of the U.S.S. Intrepid. He was trusted with senior security clearance to convey confidential information to the ship's captain during the war.

He was a Worcester firefighter for 30 years, retiring in 2002. He was assigned to Central Division for many of those years and also was stationed at Headquarters and South Division.

Freddie was also an accomplished racquetball player. He was the Mass State Racquetball Champion in 1977. He served as the racquetball pro at the Worcester Court Club and was sponsored by Head Penn Sports. He taught so many players to enjoy and improve their game.

Freddie loved life. He was always active, walking and working out. He loved beach trips with his family and attending all of his grandkids' activities. He was definitely their #1 fan. He absolutely adored them and has engrained the importance of loyalty, true love and hard work in all of them.

His family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at UMass Medical Center 6th floor ICU. The Ambulatory Care Oncology Unit gave him such skilled and compassionate treatment over the past five years. A very special thank you to Dr. Cerny, Lindsay Shanahan, PA, and a big shout out to Beth, his #1 nurse.

Funeral services will be private. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.

The Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, is directing arrangements.