Frederick (Fred) Pekari died on August 9, 2024 in Falmouth after a long illness. He was 88.

Fred was born in New Haven, Conn. where he developed a passion for swimming, fishing and golf. At a young age he learned golf from his father. He also made many dear friends at the shore who would go on to be lifelong friends.

He married Joyce Hanson in 1955 and raised his three children in West Haven, Conn. where he taught them the values of kindness, honesty and hard work.

He took pride in everything he did, and he lived life to the fullest. He attended schools in West Haven eventually graduating from West Haven High School in 1953 where he earned medals in swimming and playing the clarinet in his high school band. He went on to college and studied mechanical engineering at the University of New Haven.

In 1962, he went to work for Textron Lycoming (AVCO) in Stratford, Conn where, in 1983, he received recognition for his innovative efforts in design engineering for a US Patent. While at Textron, he played on both their softball and golf teams. He retired from Textron in 1991.

In 1984 he married Mary Aimes Hart, the love of his life, and they spent many vacations on Martha’s Vineyard. They eventually moved to the Vineyard and into a house designed by Fred. Later, they designed a second home on Chappaquiddick, where they spent their later years enjoying the beautiful beaches, fishing, golfing and making memories while entertaining family and friends.

He was an avid golfer who enjoyed playing in pro/am golf tournaments and Massachusetts state golf tournaments with friends. He worked for 26 years at Mink Meadows Golf Club on Martha’s Vineyard first as an assistant pro and later course maintenance. He enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships he found there.

He had many varied interests and had a passion for learning new hobbies. These hobbies included flying small planes, deep sea fishing, bowling, making stained glass and Nantucket baskets, oil painting, gardening (roses and berries), playing the guitar, making wine and researching his genealogy. He also loved playing in the dart league on the Vineyard and, above all, he loved cooking for his friends and family and traveling with Mary. His legacy for learning will be remembered by all.

His favorite holiday was Christmas. He especially enjoyed finding the biggest holiday tree to decorate to perfection.

He was a member of the Portuguese American Club, Farm Neck Golf Club and the Martha’s Vineyard Surf Casters Association.

He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 40 years, Mary; his daughters Cheryl (Al) Lipka, and Laurelyn Celone; his daughter in law Ruth Kellet; his sister Carol Anne (Fred VanPala); his sister in laws Barbara Pekari of Housten, Tex., and Nancy Murphy; his brother in laws Robert (Rosemary) Hansen, and Edward Aimes; and also, his several nieces, nephews and many friends.

He will also be remembered by his grandchildren: Jason Pekari, Jennifer (Jason) Oliverio, Celeste (Dan) Greenhouse and Ryan Lipka (Deanna); his great grandchildren: Alex Lipka, Madelyn Greenhouse, Tyler Greenhouse, Kaley Oliverio, Mia Oliverio, Tatum Lipka and Drew Lipka: his step daughters: Lorri Hart and Cheryl Frappier of Martha’s Vineyard; and his step grandchildren: Charles Leaf, Saundra (Nick) LaBell, Lena Frappier, Tyler (Jessica) Johnson and Angel Shepard; and also his three step great granddaughters.

He was predeceased by his first wife Joyce Mayne; his son, Frederick (Rick) Pekari; his beloved grand daughter Alicia Pekari; his two brothers Joseph and George Pekari; his stepson Robert (Bobby) Hart, Jr.; and two brother in laws, John Aimes and Robert Aimes.

Donations may be made in his honor to the Make a Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island located at 139 Federal Street Boston, MA 02110.

There will be a celebration of life held on Martha’s Vineyard at a later date.