Frederick N. Shwaery, Sr.

January 26, 1929 – April 5, 2023

Fred, the son of Esper Alexander and Ida (Thomas) Shwaery, was born and raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. On June 14, 1950, he married Adele Marie (Abdulla Habib) Shwaery, and the two shared more than 72 years of marriage, hand in hand every step of the way.

Together, Fred and Adele raised three children: their daughter, Linda-Joy A. Dvelis of Pawtucket; and two sons, Frederick N. Shwaery Jr. (Catherine) of Virginia, and Robert M. Shwaery of Pawtucket.

Fred was a lifelong member of St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Pawtucket, where he faithfully served on the Parish Council and numerous committees from 1955 to 1998. He was a vestry member for 25 years and a member of the Order of St. Ignatius. In recognition of his faithful service, he was honored with the prestigious Antiochian Silver Medal of Honor.

Fred was also a dedicated member of the Masonic community. He held lifetime memberships in the former E.L. Freeman Lodge, Jenks Lodge #24, Royal Arch #4, Knights Templar, Holy Sepulchre Commandery #8, and was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and member of the Rhode Island Shriners.

Fred began his professional career as a department manager at Kirby’s and later became the New England Regional Manager for Mammoth Mart Stores. However, the travel demands of the position took him away from his young family. Concerned for Adele, who didn’t yet drive, and their son Bobby, Fred made the decision to work closer to home. He went on to own and operate several businesses, including Sun-Kissed Farms Fruits and Vegetables, Western Auto, and Frederick Michaels Sports and Play in Taunton.

Affectionately known as the unofficial “Mayor of Taunton,” Fred served as Chairman of the Taunton Downtown Business District Committee and was a board member of the Taunton Chamber of Commerce. He was highly respected for his tireless efforts to revitalize and support the local business community. He also founded the “$100 Club,” which successfully raised $10,000 to decorate the Taunton Green during the Christmas season—a tradition he helped carry on for years.

In his youth, Fred co-managed the historic Looff Carousel and paddle boats at Slater Park in Pawtucket, alongside his friend John Massiwer. He was known for giving free rides to local school children, embodying his lifelong spirit of generosity and joy.

Fred first laid eyes on Adele at a St. Mary SOYO bowling night. Sitting in his red convertible and chatting with friends, he saw her and instantly made up his mind. Adele had been spending the summer in Pawtucket helping her uncle, Mike Haddad, at his dry goods store on Main Street. When it came time for her to return to Montreal, Fred tore a decorative ring from her purse strap and proposed. He would go on to sing to Adele every day of their life together, always referring to her as his “girlfriend.” The two remained inseparable and continued to hold hands, even into their later years.

Together, Fred and Adele mentored countless young people, many of whom considered them surrogate parents. They provided food, clothing, guidance, and unwavering support to those in need. Fred stood by Adele as she became a pioneer in advocating for children with developmental disabilities to access education and services—a cause they championed as a team, and which changed lives, including that of their son Robert.

Fred’s favorite days were spent with his family: cooking breakfast at Lido Beach, fishing, golfing with friends, and enjoying the company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a familiar and beloved presence at the Blackstone Valley Open golf tournament, where he mentored golfers with developmental disabilities.

His life was a living example of faith, service, kindness, and devotion. A husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and a mentor to many—this is the legacy Fred leaves behind. As God calls us one by one, we will be together again.