Fred H Shontz Jr

Fred H Shontz Jr. of Hanson, passed away on June 25, 2023 at the age of 88. Fred was born in New York City to the late Fred H Shontz Sr and Yvonne (Pouliot) Shontz and grew up in Holyoke MA. His mother’s family was from Holyoke and father was from PA. he enjoyed being raised in Holyoke it was a nice town. His father was an electrician for Savage Arms and his mother was a stay at home mom. He was a regular kid who enjoyed school but never sports fan. He graduated 8th grade then worked until he volunteered for the Navy at the age of 18.

He followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Navy. His dad talked about the Navy often. His father was stationed in Newport which then became his home port also. His dad served in WWII and Served for four years, Fred was aboard ship during the Korean war but never saw any action. He was aboard the USS Rush (DDR-714) a destroyer and radar picket ship. He cooked for the officers and enjoyed it also ate plenty while cooking. He enjoyed cooking for them but never wanted to make career out of it. The experience was great.

When he got discharged from the Navy he went to his old job but it wasn’t the same his friends had left, they had gotten married or joined the service. In 1960 he moved to Abington where his Aunt and Uncle resided and that’s where Fred decided to live also in Abington. He worked for Herman Beauty Aids for 35 years driving a forklift. Once the sons took over the business it closed. That seems to happen to companies. He had gotten married in 1965 and got divorced in 1967. They stayed great friends, which they got along better as friends.

Mr. Shontz is survived by one son Michael Shontz of East Bridgewater, his son was his caregiver.

He was the brother of the late Carol Harbst

Fred enjoyed going to the movies and went a couple times a week. He enjoyed eating, walking the mall, and working out at the gym. He loved the warm weather. He went to church every Sunday and would arrive an hour early so he could see everyone as they came in. when he attended church it was crowed so you had to get there early to get a seat. He had a close relationship with his parents and resided with them. His mom passed away at the age of 40 from a heart attack and his dad at the age of 75. He always looked up to his dad and learned a lot from him, like doing thing the right way.

Fred has left some advice for the younger generation, get a good education, and go into the service if you can. He was very happy he did. Always be friendly and don’t get into fights.

DON’T SAY OH I CAN’T DO THIS, I CAN’T DO THAT, YOU JUST HAVE TO TAKE IT DAY BY DAY. THAT’S ALL YOU CAN DO!

Visiting Hours in the Leighton Mackinnon Funeral Home 4 West Washington St (corner of 58) Hanson on Thursday 8:30-9:30 followed by a Funeral Mass in St John The Evangelist Church 103 Main St East Bridgewater at 10am. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend interment in Fern Hill Cemetery in Hanson.

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