Fredric Townsend Thurber of West Tisbury died Saturday, July 2, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston following surgery. He was 67.

Fred was born Dec. 24, 1943 in New York city. He was the son of the late Lincoln J. Thurber and Lillian (Arfmen) Thurber.

Although the only sibling born in New York city, it was Martha’s Vineyard that was his home and his heart. Fred started off his school years at the Tisbury School, followed by middle school at Putnam Valley, N.Y., and high school at Peekskill, N.Y. After graduation he attended Broward Community College in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., earning an associate degree in writing.

In 1965 he enlisted in the Air Force and was honorably discharged at the grade of sergeant. Upon release of his patriotic duty he returned to the Vineyard, his home. He became a carpenter and skilled woodworker until his later years when he drove for Napa Auto Parts.

Fred was well loved and loved well. He had many friends on and off the Island, those here and those long gone; some human, some dog. He was thoughtful, funny, kind and very, very smart. Fred lived a great life. He loved the Celtics, YooHoo, being out on the water and music. He was an active member of the Barnacle Club. He enjoyed getting together with his fellow members and friends, trading stories. Fred was beloved by all who knew him and will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his older brother, Lincoln Joseph Thurber 2nd, and his wife, Elizabeth, of Harwich, his younger brother, John Cabot Thurber, of West Tisbury; his niece and nephews and their spouses, Diana (Thurber) Duhamel and her husband, Jay, Lincoln J. Thurber 3rd, Travis Townsend Thurber and his wife, Heather, and Ian Cabot Thurber; and his great niece and nephews, Brahmin and Cabot Thurber and Riley and Conner Duhamel.

A graveside service in the West Tisbury Cemetery on State Road will be held on Monday, July 18, at 11 a.m. officiated by the Rev. Cathlin Baker. A celebration of his life will follow at the Thurber residence on Tiah’s Cove Road in West Tisbury.

The family appreciates the support he received from the Vineyard Nursing Association. Donations in Fredric’s memory may be made to the Vineyard Nursing Association, P.O. Box 399, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

Arrangements are under the care of Chapman, Cole, and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Please visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.