Richard Bernard Fredette

Richard Bernard Fredette, 51, of Attleboro MA, passed away suddenly on March 29, 2024 from a brief but courageous battle with Cancer. Richard was the beloved and deeply cherished husband to Janet C. Fredette (Stanhope). Still newlyweds their friendship stood the test of time and patience over the decades and their union of marriage was one of his greatest blessings. Their love and devotion for one another was undeniable. Richard was born on February 8, 1973 to parents Richard C. Fredette and Enriqueta (Gonzales) in Attleboro MA. Richard leaves his wife, daughter Summerlee V. Fredette, bonus dad to Kylie J. Day, parents, mother-in-law Jean Stanhope, brother Steven Fredette, sister-in-law Joy, nieces Elizabeth, Maria, nephew Travis and aunts, uncle, cousins, extended family and many friends. Richard was raised in Attleboro and was 1991 graduate of Attleboro High School. He was a licensed Electrician for more than two decades. Meticulous and detail oriented, he was perfect in the profession to which he devoted his life. Richard, lovingly known to most as Dickie was a friend to all. Dickie’s heart was kind and pure. He loved fishing, which he shared with his family and many friends. His passion for surfing started at 16, when his Uncle Bob took him out. Surfing gave Dickie great peace; being in the water and catching that perfect wave was always the goal. He felt the beat of the ocean and it filled his soul. He was a true waterman and looked forward to surfing more oceans, fishing new places and many new hobbies he looked to explore. He was a lover of cult classic movies/tv shows from 70’s-90’s, able to recite lines for days. The past several years have been filled with endless memories, so many first times it’s hard to believe for a man who had lived such a full life already. Dickie loved getting pictures from his daughter Summerlee and all her current adventures. He was excited to see her spread her wings and becoming a nurse gave him great pride. Being a dad was one of his greatest joys. He was a kind, gentle bonus dad to Kylie and was her confidant with all her current sports, friends, work or whatever the moment called for, while always being funny and practical. He never stopped encouraging her to aim high and stay true against a world he knew could be cruel. He always said rise above and be kind, something he was also trying to instill in a young apprentice, Liam. In whom he saw a younger version of himself. He hoped he could pass on his years of experience both in work and life. Dickie adored his three beagles, but his favorite was Stormi whom he affectionately dubbed his “little stink pot”. She was his loyal, lovingly vocal pup, spoiled by him from her very first days of life. A beautiful bond held tight until the very end, always by his side. Dickie could make everyone feel loved as seen from his contagious smile and smiling eyes, to his endless jokes to make you laugh and feel comfortable. Dickie was a master at anything he chose to take on, and making it look easy was his talent! Though an amazing story teller, what he loved more was being part of someone’s story. In his last weeks of life he spent hours recounting stories of his life and it brought him great joy to remember and laugh. His reach was far and his love was wide. He looked forward to calling the Island of Hawai’i his home, after falling in love at his wedding to Janet, and then returning multiple times since to see the other islands and explore. He looked forward to the days he could surf everyday if he wanted, but what was great importance to him was living off grid and being one with the land. He wanted to take less and give more. “Live with Aloha” Honoring his wish of a surfers funeral, his wife Janet will hold a “paddle out” memorial in Rhode Island, in the summer 2024.