CHESTER – Frederick Donald Wellspeak, age 87, formerly of 59 Middlefield Road in Chester, died on Friday, October 27th, 2023 in Pittsfield at Springside Rehab & Skilled Care Center with his stepchildren Marvin Friend of (Middlefield) and Melodie Mazzaferro of (Chester) by his side.
Fred was born on June 30th, 1936 at Hazelhurst Hospital in Westfield and was the son of the late Mary A. (Fox) Wellspeak and Noel F. Wellspeak. He was educated in local public schools and graduated from Trade High School. He went to work shortly after graduation as a Millwright Journey Man at the Strathmore Paper Company and worked there for his entire 44 year career, retiring on July 31st, 1997. He was an avid hunter with an astonishing 116 deer in his lifetime; he also spent much of his time fishing with his wife Patricia and his friend Carl Bednarsky.
Fred was predeceased by his parents and the love of his life, his wife Patricia A. (Exware) Wellspeak on May 18th, 2019, along with his uncle, “Bud” Francis Fox and brothers; James and Bernard.
He leaves behind his best friend, Carl Bednarsky, stepchildren; Derek Friend of Chester, April Schulz of Dalton, Holly Whitaker of Westfield, Stacy Friend of North Adams, nieces; Darlene Buikus, Donna Montiero both of Montgomery, nephew; James Wellspeak, Jr. of Russell and many step-grandchildren and step-great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services and Calling Hours for Fred are scheduled for Tuesday, November 7th from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. followed by a funeral home service at 12 noon, at the Graham Hilltown Community Funeral Home, 27 Russell Road in Huntington with burial at Saint Thomas Cemetery in Huntington. Donations are requested in Fred’s Memory to the Chester Fire Department, 300 US-20, Chester, MA or the Hilltown Community Ambulance, 1 Bromley Road, Huntington, MA 01050.
For online condolences please visit, grahamhilltowncommunityfuneralhome.com
