Fred Waldo Aldrich, Jr. passed peacefully in his sleep on June 29, 2014, in Riverside, CA. He was 86. The son of the late Fred Waldo Aldrich, Sr., and the late Robina Grant Aldrich of Marlborough, MA, he was born on December 10, 1927. Growing up in Marlborough, he delivered newspapers with his prized collie, Pal, who followed him to every door. He also worked with his father in his masonry business, accomplishing such formidable tasks as replacing the brick liners to factory boilers.
Fred attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA, and graduated in 1951 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. During his college years, heserved in the U.S. Army (staff sergeant), after which he served in the Air Force (first lieutenant). He was married to Janice MacMahon Aldrich from 1952 to 1973, during which time they had three children and raised them in Lexington, MA. Fredworked for severalelectronic manufacturing companies in the Boston area, including New England Instruments and Aerovox. In 1972 he founded North American Micro, Ltd. In 1975 he married Shirley Reynolds and they moved to Riverside, CA. After several years with Bourns, Inc.they started their own salon and spa businesses, which they managed together for 30 years.
Fredattended Grove Community Church in Riverside, CA, and was passionate about politics and advising his grandchildren. He enjoyed reading the Wall Street Journal, English food, New England seafood, and Beefeater martinis. He loved dogs of all sizes and shapes, especially his Yorkshire Terriers.
Fred was predeceased by his brother David, his father Fred, Sr., his mother Robina, and his sister Jane. He is survived by his wife Shirley of Riverside, CA; his son Brian of Lexington, MA and his partner Merita Mullen; his daughter Claire and her husband Montieth Illingworth of S. Salem, NY; his son Eric and his wife Stacey of Glenwood, MD; his daughter Kellie Richmond and her husband Rocky of Corona, CA; his daughter Tracy Thorne and her husband Brian of Wrightwood, CA; seventeen grandchildren: Zoe, Zachary, and Liam Aldrich; Ryan Handley; Jessica and Brandon Keller and his partner Audrey; Kiley Scout, Lily, and Kennedy Thorne; Brittany, Meghan, and Jacob Richmond and his wife Christine; Chrissy Covell and her husband Jon; Joshua Cassman; Genevieve, Grace and Isaiah Illingworth; and one great grandchild, Ella Covell.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Fred Aldrich’s name to The Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.orgor the Inland Valley Humane Society and S.P.C.A. http://www.ivhsspca.org/
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