Fred L. Mailhot

92, of Safety Harbor, FL, passed away on Saturday, April 30th. He was born in Cranston, RI. He entered the US Air Force where he served 20 years before retiring. A Vietnam veteran, Fred received many awards and distinctions throughout his service career. Upon retiring from the Air Force, he attended Miami Dade College to study mortuary sciences and began his career in the funeral profession, where he worked for almost 40 years as a licensed funeral director. Fred was a member of the Rotary, where he served as President. He was also a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus Assembly No. 1448 in Largo. He was a proud member of the Air Force Sergeant’s Association. Fred also held the distinction of being a Paul B. Harris Fellow. He generously contributed to many organizations, including the Republican National Committee, Florida Sheriff’s Association, Wounded Warrior’s Project, Special Olympics, the Humane Society, and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Fred was a devout Catholic, attending mass every Sunday. He volunteered for Espiritu Santo Catholic Church for decades, where he served as a Hospitality Minister. Fred and his wife Frances were natural caregivers for many children in their neighborhood, who always loved going to visit Nanny and Pop’s house. He dutifully chauffeured children back and forth to school, packed lunches, helped with homework and played games. Fred was an avid Tampa Bay Rays baseball fan, attending many games throughout his lifetime. Fred’s hobbies included baking, cooking, and gardening. His favorite TV shows included “reality” television series; Jerry Springer, Cops, Cheaters, and Judge Judy. He also loved David Muir on ABC News nightly. He was an avid reader of the Enquirer, People magazine, and religiously read the newspaper every Wednesday and Sunday, always checking the obituaries. A man of few words, Fred was known for his dry sense of humor and for being a practical joker.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Frances. He is survived by his three loving children, Michael and Robert Mailhot, and Vivian (Robert) Page; and two cherished grandchildren, Steven and Rachel Page. He came from a family of 10 children. His surviving siblings are Paul, John, James, Nancy, and Patty. Fred also had a large extended family full of many nieces and nephews from his nine beloved siblings. There will be a visitation on Saturday, May 7th at 10AM with a funeral mass to follow at 11AM at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, 2405 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor. The interment will be a private ceremony at Florida National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Fred would have wanted donations made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to support him and his wife’s lifelong devotion to children. Please view the livestream of the service starting at 11am on Saturday, May 7th: https://vimeo.com/705854935