Frederick R. LaSelva

Frederick R. LaSelva, Jr. passed away on June 24, 2026, after a lengthy illness. He was the husband of Sylvia Herzog LaSelva, the love of his life, married for 38 years. Fred, to everyone who loved him, was looking forward to celebrating his 79th birthday with his much-loved family on August 11th.

Together Fred and Sylvia created a blended family, from Fred’s first marriage to Donna Stewart, his sons Michael and his wife Shelley, Matthew and wife Neisa and Sylvia’s daughter Ellen and her husband Rob Loewen, Sylvia’s son Freddie and his wife Stephanie McFadden.

As the years went on their combined family grew to include nine grandchildren, Lauren and Caroline LaSelva and Rylee and Jillian LaSelva; Edward, Sophia, and Emma McFadden, Grace and Allie Loewen.

Fred was born to the late Frederick Ralph LaSelva and Francesca Zona LaSelva, in Cambridge, MA however, his growing up years were in Dorchester, MA in the neighborhood of St. Peter’s Parish. Fred was the oldest of four children and predeceased his siblings, Louis, MaryAnn and Nancy. As the big brother and oldest he evolved into the role as mentor, leader, coach and protector which he carried throughout life with his family and also in his career. As a young man he was recruited by Northeastern University for their football team which he was an integral part of for 4 years. Playing sports taught Fred the skill of coaching and mentoring. This characteristic was reflected not only in his business mentoring but also coaching and guiding his own grandchildren.

His great grandparents Louis and Angelina LaSelva emigrated to America from Italy around the turn of the 20th Century, it is from these ancestors that Fred inherited his love of Italian food including Italian desserts. As his granddaughter Emma fondly recalled, “If you knew Papa, you knew that he would always get his hands on the desserts, including Papa’s yearly ritual of making Thanksgiving breakfast that always included ice cream.”

Throughout his life Fred was a successful business leader, entrepreneur and consultant. He ran Mutual Stationery and created Penfield’s which began as a select fine pen retail business, evolving to include a nationally run Boston based retail -business center for the hospitality industry. His enthusiasm and competitiveness in business were complemented by his avid interest in playing racquetball, golf and traveling, especially the many family trips that he organized. In retirement, he operated the Twin Brooks Golf Course in Hyannis; here Fred set up non-profit programs to give underprivileged youths the opportunity without cost to experience golf and its values. Throughout Fred’s life he offered his time and expertise to a variety of non-profit organizations.

A Memorial Wake will be held at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home located at 154 MA-6A in Sandwich, Massachusetts on July 13th from 3pm to 7pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Corpus Christi Parish located at 324 Quaker Meeting House Road in East Sandwich on July 14th at 11am.

In lieu of flowers a donation or contribution to your preferred charity in Fred’s name are welcomed and appreciated.