On Monday, September 5, 2022, Frederico R. Medina, Jr., of Marion, Massachusetts passed away peacefully at the age of 91. He was pre-deceased by his wife of many years, Leola N. Medina and is survived by four children and five grandchildren.

Fred was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Reverend Frederico, Sr. and Emma (Correia) Medina. He had one sister, Zoe Medina Jordan, who pre-deceased him. He attended Wareham, Massachusetts public schools and graduated from Wareham High School in 1949. Fred worked his way through college and in 1953 graduated from Boston University with a BA degree in Biology. He dreamed of becoming a doctor, but was unable to afford the expense of medical school. Instead, he devoted his life to the education of others.

After college graduation, Fred served two years in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany. He received two medals of distinction. Following his Army service, Fred returned to Wareham and became a biology teacher at Wareham High School where he was beloved by many students and colleagues. He married his high school sweetheart, Leola Nadeau, on December 22, 1956. Focused on his career in education and passionate about teaching, he received two Masters degrees: a Masters in Education from Bridgewater State Teachers College in 1958 and a Masters in Science from Syracuse University in 1961 (after receiving a National Science Foundation fellowship). After many years of teaching students, Fred became an Assistant Principal at the Wareham Intermediate School. He later became the Principal of the Intermediate School for many years until his retirement.

Fred and Leola raised three sons Frederico III, Darryl, and Karl, and a daughter, Shari. In 1965, they built their dream home in Marion, Massachusetts, where they spent many years enjoying life by the sea and traveling to Canada, California, Hawaii, Florida and many other locations. Fred enjoyed digging for clams and quahogs, and clam boils were frequent family events. Fred was also passionate about sports and music. He was a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics and Red Sox, and once the Patriots entered the scene, he became a fan of them also. After retirement, Fred was an active member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Harpoon Harmonizers and sang and traveled with them to many locations. He also served as the Chorus Manager and Treasurer.

Fred volunteered his time tirelessly to many charitable organizations. In his younger years, he enjoyed working for the Massachusetts Council of Churches as a teacher and social worker to Puerto Rican migrant farm workers in southeastern Massachusetts. During summers, Fred and his father would travel to various locations to serve these workers. He also served on the Board of Trustees of Tobey Hospital and was a member of the First Congregational Church of Marion.

Fred cherished his family most of all and enjoyed many birthdays, holidays, and graduations. He was so proud of all his children and grandchildren. He adored his grandchildren and always wanted to know about their adventures and pursuits. He was so selfless, loving and caring. He never looked for praises and just went on quietly working for those he loved.

He is survived by his four children, Frederico Medina Ill and his wife, Marina, Darryl Medina and his wife Sara Dickson, Shari Jankowski and her husband, James, and Karl Medina, as well as five grandchildren who called him "Papa"; Andrew Jankowski and his wife, Alyssa, Caroline Jankowski, Kendra Medina, Allison Medina, and Max Medina, nieces, nephews, relatives, and many friends.

"All shall remember the things you have taught them and how much you loved us."

"People only pass away when they are forgotten. You will always be remembered and missed."

"The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you, shall never pass away."

His calling hours will be held on Wednesday September 21, 2022 from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd, Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the South Coast Visiting Nurse Association, 200 Mill Road, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com