Sheldon Mark Fechtor

Born on November 8, 1932 to the late Aaron and Sara (Cohen) Fechtor, he graduated from Boston Latin in 1951. He earned his CAS in 1955 from Boston University. Sheldon was founder, President and CEO of Fechtor, Detwiler & Co, Inc. from 1962-2000 and CEO emeritus until 2018. In 1988 he was elected to a three-year term as a governor of the National Association of Securities Dealers (now part of FINRA). He was elected as a member of the Collegium of Distinguished Alumni of Boston University and a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council in May 1997.

He excelled in any sport he played. He would always say “I’d rather play a sport than watch one”, and he did: baseball in his youth (Go Red Sox), hockey while at BU and organizing teams well into his 40s. He had been a season ticketholder for his beloved Boston Bruins for over 60 years. He taught himself to play tennis and had immense pleasure playing with his daughter, Chance, in the USTA father-daughter (over 80) tennis tournaments, winning 6 gold and 1 silver ball between 2014-2019, and a #1 ranking. The only sport he took a lesson in was skiing on the Flying Inch at Mont-Blanc in Quebec. He enjoyed having his house at Stratton Mountain where all the children learned how to ski. He was an active member of the Stratton Mountain Country Club. For the past 11 years, he and Margie have enjoyed being members of the Vineyards Country Club in Naples, FL, playing golf and tennis. He cherished the lasting friendships he obtained through playing his sports.

He is also survived by his children, Gamble Fechtor of Del Mar, CA; Chance Fechtor of Watertown, MA; and Stephen Arbetter of Fitchburg, MA, and his grandchildren Jennifer Cutliffe of Paxton, MA; Douglas (Sergio Candido) Arbetter of Worcester, MA; Samantha (Chris) Prentiss of Buffalo, NY; Cassidy (fiancé, Ryder Nelson) Fechtor of Hopedale,MA; Noah (Elaine Li) Fechtor-Pradines of NYC; Teal Pradines of Watertown, MA; Fortune Fechtor of Del Mar, CA, and his great-grandchildren Mackenzie Cutliffe and Rocco Rosado of Paxton, MA. He is also survived by his brother Richard Fechtor of East Boston, MA, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Cole Cash Fechtor.

Celebrate Shel Fechtor’s life with us on Thursday, September 24th, anytime between 3 and 7 p.m. at his home, 151 Tremont St, Boston in the lounge on the 6th floor. Shel’s favorite foods and drinks will be served. This is a celebration of a life well lived and well loved. His family would like for this to be joyous, not somber, so dress accordingly. Please just bring yourselves, your stories, and fun facts about a man who made all our lives better for having known him.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the USTA Foundation, https://www.ustafoundation.com/en/home.html?form=DONATE.