Thomas M. Fredericks

Thomas Mark Fredericks, 67, of Old Saybrook, passed away on April 16, 2022 after a short illness. Tom was born on March 28, 1955 in New Haven and was the son of Ruth (Brown) Fredericks and the late Albert George Fredericks. He is survived by his wife Ellen A. (Bohne) Fredericks, his daughters Leah E. Sousa (husband Peter) of Hope Valley, RI, Kristin L. Bartunek (husband Steve) of Middlefield, CT. He is also survived by his grandchildren, William T. Sousa, Avery A. Bartunek, Dylan J. Sousa, and Casey J. Bartunek as well as his brother Gary P. Fredericks (wife Elizabeth) of Middletown, CT. Along with many loving family members from Wallingford, CT and wonderful friends from Westbrook, CT.

Tom met Ellen in high school and they became the perfect example of “high school sweethearts.” As a 1973 Sheehan H.S. graduate, Tom would be remembered for his football and track success. He went on to graduate from Northeastern University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1978, where he then became a very successful and respected Electrical Engineer. He spent 35 years at Whelen Engineering Co, Inc. in Chester, CT. There he began developing traffic activated warning products. He advanced to managing the Outdoor Warning Engineering division and finally added Aviation Engineering Manager to his portfolio before recently retiring. He was awarded many patents for his various innovations at Whelen.

In the past years, Tom loved to travel. From the many trips with the “6 pack”, to the many cruises with family. He also enjoyed kayaking and catching up with past Whelen friends. He took great pride in doing home projects and renovations and was very good at both. He enjoyed ending an evening with a UCONN women’s basketball game or a Yankees game. He will be remembered most for being kind, his great dry sense of humor, his strong work ethic, and remarkable patience.

In the most recent years, his greatest passion has been spending time with his daughters and their families. And, most notably, his selfless caring for Ellen at a time when her health concerns required his constant care and attention. Tom has devoted 51 years of his life being by Ellen’s side portraying love, honor and loyalty.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2022 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Swan Funeral Home, located at 1224 Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the curePSP at psp.org.