Frederick Foley

In Loving Memory of Frederick "Fred" Foley

November 28, 1944 – April 3, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Frederick Foley, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, coach, and friend. Fred left us peacefully on April 3, 2025, at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, learning, and love.

Fred was a man with a big heart and an even bigger personality. He had a natural gift for conversation and could talk to anyone, anywhere, often turning strangers into friends within minutes. He had a wonderful sense of humor, an endless thirst for knowledge, and a unique ability to connect with people of all ages and walks of life.

Fred was born to Frederick and Jean Foley in Malden, Massachusetts and was one of six children. Growing up in such a large family, there was never a shortage of adventures or love. He was a proud graduate of North Adams State College and Suffolk University and achieved a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and was the first in his family to graduate from college. He dedicated more than 30 years of his life to the Malden school system, where he inspired generations of students with his wisdom, patience, and enthusiasm for learning. To Fred, teaching wasn’t just a job—it was a calling. Whether in a classroom, on a sports field, or out in the world, he never missed a chance to share what he had learned, always hoping it might help someone else.

He was a devoted family man. He and his wife Joanne shared over 40 beautiful years together, building a life rooted in love, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to their family. He was a proud father and grandfather who cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren—whether it was a pizza night at Papa Gino’s, cheering on the kids at their sporting events, or telling stories (and yes, even his famously bad jokes).

Outside the classroom and the home, Fred was a man of many passions. He held a black belt in karate and became a dedicated martial arts instructor—famously teaching his own mother and sisters at one point. He was also a student of Ninjitsu and Tai Chi, a high school coach for various sports including track and field, an avid golfer, a motorcyclist, a target shooter, and, for a time, even a bartender, key maker, and security guard. He approached everything in life with intensity, focus, and a deep desire to keep growing.

Fred had a reputation for being famously late—but his friends and family would say, “Fred may not be on time, but he’ll always show up.” And that was true of his entire life: he showed up for people. Always. With a listening ear, a story to tell, or a lesson to share.

He was known by many names: Fred, Dad, Papa, and Butchie. But no matter what you called him, you knew him as someone full of life—stubborn at times, always proud, self-confident, and deeply kind.

Fred is survived by his devoted wife, Joanne Foley of Londonderry, NH; his children, Catherine Gelinas and her husband Christopher of Canterbury, NH, Scott Merrill of Goffstown, NH, Karen Gurney and her husband Christopher of Minot, ME, and Scott Foley of AL. He was the beloved grandfather of Sydney Lucas, Kyle and Ryan Gelinas, Brayden Gurney, Samantha Merrill, Hydie Surprenant and Hollie Surprenant, and Nicholas and Stephen Foley. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Lennon Lucas. He is survived by his sisters: Lisa Lozzi, Jeanne Schieber, Ferne Cerchione, and Lesley Krea. Fred was predeceased by his younger brother, Jon Foley.

He will be remembered through the countless lives he touched, the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.