DUDLEY – Ferdinand E. “Fred” Sugar, 77, died Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Brookside Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Webster after a period of declining health.
He leaves 2 nephews, Albert J. “Butch” Peck and his wife Andrea of North Grosvenordale, CT, and Darryl J. Peck and his wife Caroline of Holland, MA; a niece, Carol A. Boye of South Burlington, VT; 3 grand-nephews, Benjamin M. Boye, Timothy R. Peck and his wife Melissa, and Daniel C. Peck; and a grand-niece, Kimberly L. Lamoureux and her husband Rob; 2 great-grandnephews, Alexander M. Boye and Gabriel E. Lamoureux; and two great-grandNieces, Lilly G. Peck and Katheryn J. Peck. He was preceded in death by his half-sister Alice T. Peck and by his nephews William A. Peck and Jeffrey J. Peck. Mr. Sugar also leaves his lifelong friend, Jim Duszlak with whom he shared a special bond. Jim and his wife Jill were a great support system for Fred throughout his illness.
He was born at home in Dudley on February 25, 1948, a son of Emil J. Sugar, Jr. and Mary B. (Biesiadecki) Sugar and was a life-long resident. He graduated from Bartlett High School in 1965 and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from the then Lowell Technology Institute.
He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1970 and worked at the executive level in finance in Asia (Thailand), Europe (Germany and Sicily), and in the United States from the east coast (Maine) to the west coast (Washington), retiring in 1990 as a Senior Master Sergeant. He served with pride and appreciated the ability the Air Force afforded him to travel extensively.
Mr. Sugar had many interests and roles after his time in the service: he was a recorder for the Town of Dudley committee meetings for local access television for many years, and a founding member of the Providence and Worcester Railfan Club and Museum in Webster where he currently served as treasurer.
Mr. Sugar also enjoyed being a sportsman. He was a lifelong fisherman, including ice fishing, and a hunter, activities he shared with local friends. He had a great love of football which began with watching the NY Giants with his dad. However, he later became an avid Patriots fan and holder of seasons tickets for many years. He was fond of cats and had several as his companions during his life. He also enjoyed collecting Star Trek memorabilia.
His family would like to thank the nursing staff at Webster Manor and Brookside Rehab for their compassionate care and support of Fred, whom they affectionately called “Sugar”.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 27, at Noon in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace, Old Worcester Road, Webster. The Webster-Dudley Veterans Council will provide military honors. Donations in his name may be made to either the Providence and Worcester Railfan Club, 3 Davis Street, or to the Community Cat Connection, 289 Thompson Road, both in Webster, MA 01570. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster.