Frederic Converse Elson

Frederic Converse Elson, also known as Fred, Freddy, or Gramps, of 9 Barton Avenue, Barrington died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness on Sunday, September 16, 2012.

Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Alfred Elson Jr. and Muriel E (Smith) Elson and lived in Pawtucket, Rumford, and for the remaining years of his life in Barrington where he loved living by the water.

Fred, an outstanding athlete, attended Providence Country Day, Taber Academy and Brown University. He later enlisted in the United States Navy before joining the family business established by his grandfather in Pawtucket known as New England Machine & Electric Company and New England Electric Supply Company. He went on to purchase New England Marine Electronics, was on the board of directors for Stanley’s Boatyard, and eventually became Vice President of Striper Marina of Barrington.

Fred was a committed community leader and was active in the following organizations: the former Pawtucket Trust Company & Institution for Savings, the Rotary Club of Pawtucket, the RI Jaycees, RI Junior Chamber of Commerce, and Pawtucket Chamber of Commerce. He was a former member of the To Kalon Club, RI Country Club, The Dunes Club, Point Judith Country Club, Barrington Yacht Club, and Tyler Point Yacht Club.

An excellent golfer, avid fisherman and yachtsman, he was perhaps known best for his beautiful smile and sparkling blue eyes. His love of the water both in the tiny town of Galilee and from his view of the Barrington River made his life complete. He was truly at his best when entertaining family and friends, enjoying music, singing, and dancing.

Fred is survived by the love of his life Bonnie Elson, his wife of 29 years. He was the devoted father of Nancy Elson Fritch, Susan Elson Neale, Judy Elson and husband Nick Patch, Alfred Elson and wife Anne Lyden, Robin DeFelice and husband Peter DeFelice, and step-sons Kevin Terhune and wife Lynda and Stephen Terhune and wife Sue. Grampa Fred is survived by Jennifer Mills, Emily and Meredith Fritch, Chrissie, Katie, and Alfred “AJ” Elson, Benjamin and Nicholas DeFelice, Rory Patch, Eric Cabral, and Ted, Molly, John, and Kaylin Terhune. He is also survived by four nieces and many loving friends. He was predeceased by his first wife Clara “Dolly” Boyd Elson and sister Janet Elson Heath.

A funeral will be held on Friday, September 21st at 9am from the Wilbur Romano Funeral Home, 615 Main St., Warren with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 am in St. Luke’s Church, Washington Road, Barrington. Relative and friends are invited and may call on Thursday, September 20th from 5-7pm. Burial will be in Swan Point Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Washington Park Children’s Shelter, 1279 Broad Street, Providence RI, 02905 or The Alfred Elson Junior Branch of the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket, 1 Moeller Place, Pawtucket, RI, 02860.