Chief Engineer Friday Jacobs Fashemi was in the presence of the lord on January 6th 2024. He was surrounded by his loved ones and was in the minds and hearts of those who could not be at bedside.
Friday was born on December 22nd 1957 in Amahor Waterside, Igueben local government area of Edo State Nigeria to Ifashemi & Titilola Ale (nee Akpada). Originally hailing from village of Uneme in Akoko Edo, He was the 4th of 5 surviving children to adulthood of the couple. His elder sister Tanimola, elder brother (Rev Olufemi Abel Jacob Fashemi) proceeded him to eternity, with his sister passing in November of 2023. His surviving older sister (Rose Mary Bose Oaikhiena) and younger brother (Ayodele Fashemi) currently reside in the UK. Affectionately called Oloruntobi by his mother, Friday & Bose grew up in Waterside, Nigeria, where they enjoyed a childhood filled with fond memories he would often share with his children.
Friday began school early (St Marks Aglican school) due to missing his sister while she was at class. Unfortunately, losing his father at an early age (Primary 6) caused Friday to take a leadership role in his family. Motivated and self determined, he strove towards educational excellence via enrolling in varies courses. First competing trade school to earn an electrician certificate, he worked at Awekoro Cement factory. Impressing his superiors, he was recommended for employment at Kilpatrick electrical company in Lagos when the cement factory closed down. He then enrolled in Yaba Technical College and achieved degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering earning his HND while balancing a full time job. A life long proponent of education, he achieved a masters in safety engineering later in his career. He not only helped support the endeavors of all his extended family, he raised both his younger brother Ayodele and his niece Funke. Friday’s educational successes, work ethic, and gregarious personality caused him to have the admiration of many friends and colleagues alike, with relationships extending into his twilight years.
Friday lived and worked in the City of Lagos Nigeria. He married Mary O Fashemi (nee Idumwonyi) on April 4th 1987 from Benin City Nigeria. Together they had 4 children (Dr. Bayode Fashemi, Titilayo Westover NP, Dr. Bisiayo Fashemi, and Eng. Oloruntobi Fashemi), with the last two children being born after their immigration to the United States in the early 1990’s, settling in Boston, Massachusetts.
Friday is survived by his wife Mary, children Bayode, Titilayo, Bisiayo, Oloruntobi, grandchildren Abeni, Ayodeji, Anthony Kayode, Jacob Ayinde, Joseph Akin, Titilola, his sister Rosemary, his brother Ayodele, nephews Ose, Osagie, Oloruntobi David, nieces Isi, nieces Omoye, Funke, Ino, Rose, Bose, son in law Anthony, daughter in law Harriette, numerous cousins, friends, other nephews and nieces. He was proceeded in death by his brother Rev. Olu, sister Tanimola, his mother Titilola and father Ifashemi.
Friday lived a life filled with love and teamwork. Mary and him achieved the American dream through hard work and God’s grace. These life lessons will forever live in the hearts and minds of his children and grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at the P.E. Murray-F.J. Higgins, George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 2000 Centre St. West Roxbury, MA on Saturday, January 27th, from 9-10AM followed by a funeral service at 10AM . Immediately following the service, interment will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury. A celebration of Friday’s life will be held at Italian-American Citizens Club, 21 Allen Lane, Dedham, MA directly after the interment at 11:30AM.