Southbridge: Richard A. "Rich" Fredette, 69, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 5 ^th , in his home after a long battle with cancer.

He leaves the love of his life and wife of 47 years, Linda M. (Dashnaw) Fredette; his six children, Shadd Fredette and his wife Idalia of Southbridge, Laurie Leighton of Southbridge, Tannis Rossi and her husband Scott of Southbridge, Talissa Fredette of Southbridge, Lacy Leighton of Southbridge and Tianni Proulx and her husband James of Southbridge; his brother, Russell Fredette of Spokane, WA; his three sisters, Sandra Stoekard of Springfield, Patricia Taylor of Wylie, TX and Barbara Laythe of Fort Mills, SC; his six grandchildren, Alexys Fredette, Jaden Rossi, Chace Fredette, Jonas Rossi, Ilahna Fredette and Brielle Proulx; his two close nephews, Nathan Dashnaw and Phil Dashnaw among many other nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brother, Roger "Butch" Fredette, Jr.  Rich was born in Holyoke the son of the late Roger F. and Barbara (Bridges) Fredette.  He was a US Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War era.

Rich was a dedicated and accomplished electrician.  He started his own company, Fredette Electrical in 1980.  He later became the Electrical Inspector for the towns of Brimfield and Holland and in 1996 he became the Executive Director of the Massachusetts State Board of Electricians.  In 2010 Rich went on to the Town of Stowe as the Code Administration and Executive Director of the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations.  Rich also for many years taught night classes at Bay Path Regional Vocational High School in Charlton, teaching the State Code to aspiring Electricians.  He was a devote member of the St. John Paul II Parish in Southbridge.  He enjoyed woodworking and working on the landscape around his home with his tractor.

To his family Rich was the greatest man who ever lived.

His family request those attending his calling hours to bring a picture and or written story of Rich to leave with the family.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 12 ^th , from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 10:00am in Notre Dame Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 446 Main St., Southbridge.  Burial will be in Old Notre Dame Cemetery, Southbridge.  Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Monday, Nov. 11 ^th , from 5:00 to 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.