Frederick Hallett Hemley

Freddy was a profoundly devoted husband, father, grandfather, family member and friend. He was blessed with a variety of exceptional talents, which included: Sailing (often steering his Lightning with bare feet, and tilting it at breath-taking angles); photography (working and learning early on in this medium alongside John Gregory); traveling; playing chess and backgammon; and of course cooking (learning his skills alongside Sal Del Deo and Ciro Cozzi). 9 Ryder Restaurant was his final venture in this field, the interior of which reflected his love of Provincetown with beautiful, enlarged, glass plate photographs.

Freddy had boundless energy, and cut a wonderful profile in his beret riding his bike down Commercial Street. His integrity and generosity in a variety of roles such as family man, friend, worker, and artist, ran deep and was unpretentious. He lived a very full, charitable, and above all, happy life. And he was grateful for it all.

Freddy’s legacy in Provincetown began at birth as the beloved son of the late Kathryn Gilman and Cecil Hemley, cherished grandson of Donald and Elsie “Gram” Witherstine, and brother to Sarah “Betsy” Hemley.

Freddy is survived by his wife of 34 years (together for 44), Freya, daughters Helen and Glea, and family cat, Dinah; son-in-law Jonathan David Jackson; grandchildren Aurelia Elise Jackson and Rafael “Rafa” Hallett Jackson; siblings Susan Joseph, Nancy Easley, William “Billy” Gilman, Judy Hoelzer, and (predeceased) Sarah “Betsy” Hemley—and all of their extraordinary spouses and families; in-laws Frederica Laporte, Tannis Sexton, Jonathan “Johnny” Morrill, and Susan “Toodan” Laporte—and all of their extraordinary spouses and families; and a steadfast group of exceptional, longtime friends. He loved us all.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 2nd at 10:00 at St. Mary’s of the Harbor, followed by a Memorial Gathering at 9 Ryder Restaurant. The burial is for immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for you to make donations in Freddy's name to West End Racing Children's Community Sailing (WERCCS) to help foster his love of sailing and Provincetown in future generations of children.