Frederick Fandel Jr. Was Warm, Generous Person

Frederick Fandel Jr. died at his home in Vineyard Haven on Feb. 22. He was 52 years old.

Mr. Fandel was born in Waltham and raised in and around Jamaica Plain. He was the second of 10 children born to Frederick T. Fandel Sr. and Rose Jensen. Fred began to work as a boy at Kramer's Furniture in Jamaica Plain. While employed there he caught the eye of a salesman, William MacDonald. On one visit to the store, Mr. MacDonald invited Fred to spend a couple of weeks with his family at their summer home on Lake Winnipesaukee and true to his word, when summer came, Fred began what would turn out to be many summer spent out of the city and in New Hampshire. This introduction to water and the country way of life stayed in Fred's heart.

After attending Boston Latin High School and Boston College, he began Fandel Associates, his own private investigating business. It was when he agreed to do a friend a favor and bounce a pub night at a local girls' college that Fred met his wife, Linda (Conole). While visiting Linda in the summer on Martha's Vineyard, Fred reconnected with his love of the water and country way of life.

Fred and Linda were married in December 1981 and have lived here as friends and companions for 20 years. Not long after their marriage he chose to begin his own construction company, Fandel Construction.

He will be remembered by his family, friends and clientele for his laughter and joy, his special way of lighting up a job site, his friendly nature with any passerby, and his generosity and willingness to help all. These were just some of Fred's daily qualities that will be sorely missed.

In addition to his wife, he leaves his two daughters, Suzanne Fandel of Waltham and Rachel Phillips of Ruckersville, Va.; his mother, Rose Fandel of Dedham; nine brothers and sisters, Cheryl, William, Kevin, Susan, Phyllis, Sharon, John, Robert and Richard. He was predeceased by his father.

His funeral service will be held in the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs at noon on Saturday, March 1. The family will be receiving visitors at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, Fred and his family ask that donations be made to Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.