Ernest Fredette

Ernest H. Fredette passed away on February 9 at Lakes Region General Hospital after a period of failing health. He was born in Franklin on February 11, 1930 to Alphonse and Blandine (LaRochelle) Fredette. He was married for 67 years to Jane (Lefebvre) Fredette. Ernie "Ness" was a graduate of Franklin High School Class of 1948, where he starred in three sports, baseball, football and hockey. He was an excellent skater and played hockey throughout his youth. After high school, he joined the N.H. Hockey Officials Association and refereed games for prep schools, state hockey teams and no check leagues until he was in his mid seventies. He also won many skating races at the annual Franklin Winter Carnival. For many years he worked as a meat cutter and owned and operated Fredette's Market in Franklin. Later he worked at Webster Valve Co. in Franklin until his retirement. He was a faithful communicant of St. Gabriel Parish in Franklin throughout his life where he served many years as an usher, altar server, and funeral assistant. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Bishop Leo E. O'Neil Council 12147, and was a life member of the Franklin Elks Lodge #1280. Ernie was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and was known as "Uncle Ernie" to many. He always had a positive outlook on life and enjoyed it to the fullest. He enjoyed skiing and fishing. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tease, especially his grandchildren. He shared his love of sports with his family, his grandchildren and the community. He was predeceased by a brother, Edward Fredette of Winslow, Maine. In addition to his wife, he leaves a son, David Fredette of Hancock, Maine, a daughter in-law, Margaret Boyles of Salisbury, NH, two daughters, Mary Foley and husband Steven of Franklin, NH and Judith Pattison and husband Jeffry of San Diego, California. He also leaves his grandchildren; Molly Fredette and husband Chris Esposito of Friendship, Maryland, Jared Foley and wife Nahe of South Jordan, Utah, Joshua Foley of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mathieu Foley and wife Carlie of Sandy, Utah, AJ Pattison and wife Jillian of San Mateo, California, and Tyler Pattison and wife Justine of El Cajon, California. He also leaves one great granddaughter, Olivia Jane Foley of Sandy, Utah and many very dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Friends may call at the Thibeault-Neun Funeral Home at 143 Franklin Street, Franklin, NH on February 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on February 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Gabriel Parish on School Street in Franklin, NH. A luncheon will be held at the Franklin Elks Lodge following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Gabriel Parish Building Fund. PO Box 490, Franklin, NH 03235