Frederick J. DuBois

Frederick J. DuBois, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024, at his home in Norfolk, Massachusetts, with his wife Linda by his side. Born in Watertown, Massachusetts on April 7, 1937, he was the son of Eugene W. and Anna (Kidik) DuBois. Fred was raised in Watertown until the age of seven when his family moved to West Newton, Massachusetts. As a youth, Fred often helped his father with mechanical and body work on his company trucks, learning to repair and build a variety of models and engines. He used this knowledge he gained to build a hot rod that he designed himself, sometimes using it to chauffeur his favorite teacher on supply runs for the high school.

Fred graduated from Our Lady's Catholic High School in Newton with the class of 1956. He then went on to apprentice as a plumber before transitioning to an apprenticeship as an electrician. Once he was a licensed electrician Fred joined his brothers, Eugene and Donald, in the creation of DuBois Plumbing, Home Heating, and Electrical Corporation based in Watertown and Newton. Over the years Fred grew his skills in the trade, becoming a master electrician and mentoring more than forty electricians and apprentices throughout his five decades in the field.

Fred was a proud American citizen and in October of 1958 he in enlisted in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, prepared to serve his community and the country that he loved so dearly. During his time with the National Guard, Fred served as a track vehicle mechanic and especially loved repairing tanks. He also qualified as an expert in carbine riflery. Fred took his duty to his country very seriously, ready to report at a moment’s notice, eventually receiving an honorable discharge on October 18, 1964, as a Specialist Fourth Class.

In 1973, Fred met Linda Monahan on a work cruise around Boston Harbor. The pair quickly became friends, sharing many common interests and philosophies. Fred and Linda began dating and eventually making a home together in East Walpole, Massachusetts. On July 19, 1980, Fred married the love of his life, Linda M. Monahan, in an intimate ceremony at their home, celebrating with their children, relatives, and friends. At home in Walpole, Fred became involved in his community, joining Saint Mary's Church and volunteering to deliver Meals on Wheels for local seniors for more than a decade. 

In 2011, after his retirement, Fred and Linda moved to River's Edge Condominiums. He made many new friends there and, like in Walpole, decided to find a way to give back to his community. Fred, along with his friends Connie and Howie, started a business "Kukla, Fran & Ollie Construction", where they would donate their time and expertise to help residents with work that needed to be done. They volunteered to provide electrical work, installation of doors and shades, lighting, and much more at no charge. Fred loved to keep his skills sharp and had fun providing much needed services for their friends and neighbors. 

The most important part of Fred's life was his family. He enjoyed taking trips into the wilderness with his kids on camping adventures. In the winter he eagerly awaited fresh snowfall at Rangely Lake in Maine, excited to hit the snowmobile trails with the kids, and in the summer, he would take any opportunity he could to sail and be out on the water, enjoying the fresh ocean air. Fred loved his beautiful, blended family, and was thrilled when he received the title of Pepé after the birth of his first grandchild. Distance could not dampen his love. Fred made many great memories with his friends. He and Linda loved to throw parties, inviting their friends and family into their home for an afternoon or evening of food, drinks, and laughter. Many days were spent at sea hoping to catch a fish and enjoying each other’s company. In his later years, Fred looked forward to Wednesday afternoons when nine of his close friends would come to his "man cave" to play pool. This camaraderie was a great source of strength and happiness, especially during his illness. 

In his free time, Fred enjoyed tennis, gardening, and bowling. He was a talented woodworker, able to craft anything with his hands, making many toys, signs, and heirloom quality pieces of furniture. Fred volunteered in many ways, including for a decade as an Advocate for the children at the Fernald State School in Waltham, Massachusetts. He was a generous and kind man who will be greatly missed.

Beloved husband of Linda M. (Monahan) DuBois

Loving father of Frederick DuBois Jr., and his wife Gretchen, of Natick, David DuBois, and his wife Rhonda, of North Grafton, Suzanne Grant, and her husband Brad, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, Melissa DuBois, and her husband Bill Guteoff, of Montara, California, the late Edward DuBois, and the late Michelle DuBois

Cherished Pepé of Kathryn DuBois of Natick, and Odin & Grayson Grant of Sandy Springs, Georgia; and step-grandfather of Heather Gaudet, and her husband Jeff, of Billerica; and step-great grandfather of Eliana Gaudet.

Brother of the late Lorraine Howard, and her late husband Bob, Eugene DuBois, and Donald DuBois, and his surviving wife Frances of Rochester.

Also survived by his beloved dog, Ollie as well as many extended family members and friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Frederick's Life Celebration on Monday, August 12th, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

All are invited to gather in the funeral home on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024, at 9:00 am prior to a Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Saint Mary's Church, 176 Washington Street, Walpole at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Fred's name may be made to the Walpole Food Pantry at P.O. Box 43 Walpole, MA 02081 or by visiting https://www.wcfp.org/