Ronald Howard Frederickson

LUNENBURG – Ronald “Fred” Frederickson passed away January 4, 2026, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston after a courageous battle with cancer.

Fred was born in St. James, Minnesota on July 28, 1950, to Howard Jerome Frederickson and Lucille Irene (Durheim) Frederickson. Raised in the Midwest, he was known as Ron by his family and friends. Fred graduated from Madelia High School in 1968. After high school, he worked as a carpenter alongside his father before enlisting in the army in 1970.

Fred was a Green Beret and proudly served his country from 1970 to 1973 as part of the 10th Special Forces Group. He joined the Airborne Division of Special Forces and served in the US and throughout Europe, earning the rank of Sergeant as well as the National Defense Service Medal and the Parachute Badge.

After he was honorably discharged, Fred worked at Bingham Lumber in NH before beginning his career with Digital Equipment Corporation in 1980. At Digital, he served as a logistics and field service leader at several New England facilities. A highlight of his career was a long-term Hewlett-Packard project in Costa Rica, where he helped establish a customer service center, offering him an opportunity to explore this beautiful country before retiring in 2011.

Fred raised his family in Leominster, MA. He was known for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, and ability to fix or build just about anything. A skilled handyman and carpenter, he was always quick to lend a hand, leaving behind countless well-crafted sheds, porches, decks, and home projects.

An outdoorsman at heart, Fred enjoyed hunting, fishing, and annual trips to South Dakota for pheasant hunting with close friends for many years. He embraced friendly competition and, over the years, played on pool and dart teams. He loved playing poker and spent many happy hours on the golf course. Fred was an active member of the South End National Club and the South Fitchburg Social Club, places where lively debate, camaraderie, and friendship thrived.

Fred was a true people person with a great sense of humor who easily connected with others and maintained many circles of friends throughout his life. From lifelong friendships to connections made through work, service, clubs, or his neighborhoods, he loved being out and about, meeting new people, and enjoying time wherever good company could be found. Above all, Fred cherished time spent with his family, finding great joy in being together.

A champion of veterans’ causes for over 40 years, Fred supported benefits and family support for veterans by both donating and volunteering over the years. He was a proud member of the American Legion, the Franco-American War Veterans, and the NH Special Forces Association Ch. 72.

During his time with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Fred demonstrated the strength, grit, and never-give-up determination of a true Green Beret, and he deeply appreciated the exceptional care and compassion he received there. Fred was loved by many and will be sorely missed.

Fred is survived by his wife, Susan Lagasse Frederickson; his children, son Joshua (Marion) Frederickson, daughter Rachel (Christopher) Holman, their mother Kathy Valera Frederickson; stepdaughter, Brooke (John) Czasnowski, stepson Jeffrey Lagasse, stepdaughter, Jacqueline (Eric) FitzGerald, and four step-grandchildren, Collin, Wesley, Olivia, and Alexander. He also leaves his siblings, Sheila Pederson, Douglas (Ruth) Frederickson, and Beth Mosser, as well as many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families. He is predeceased by his parents, Howard Jerome Frederickson (1919-1990) and Lucille Durheim Frederickson (1927-2009).

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd, Fitchburg, MA, with a memorial service beginning at 11:30 a.m. Following the service, a Committal Service with Military Honors will be held at Winchendon Veterans Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St, Winchendon, MA, at 1:00 p.m.

To honor Fred’s tradition of supporting veterans, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the American Legion - In Memory of Ronald H. Frederickson.