MILLBURY, Mass. - Frederick J. (Fred) Aspinwall, 85, died peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012 at the Millbury Healthcare Center surrounded by his family.

Fred went to be with his dear wife Shirley who predeceased him a few short weeks ago on Jan. 5, 2012. He leaves two sons, David J. Aspinwall and his wife, Paula of Millbury, Michael E. Aspinwall and his wife, Susan A. Blanker of Cambridge, a daughter Martha H. St. Denis and her husband Keith of Millbury. He also leaves five grandchildren, Brian St. Denis and his wife Mary, Meghan St. Denis, James St Denis, Sarah Aspinwall and Peter Aspinwall.

Fred was born in Worcester and is predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Helen (Chadeayne) Aspinwall, his brothers George and Frank and a grandson, Matthew St. Denis.

Fred graduated from North High School's agricultural program and then served in the U.S. Navy during WWII aboard the USS Yorktown. He graduated from Becker Junior College with a marketing degree and from Clark University with a BA in business. He later attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute and graduated from the School of Industrial Management.

Fred worked at Norton Company for 36 years retiring as the director of marketing Services for the Industrial Ceramics Division. While at Norton Company, Fred travelled extensively across the Far East and Europe including one memorable trip through Checkpoint Charlie in East Berlin at the peak of the Cold War. During his early retirement years, he and Shirley travelled throughout Europe and the Southwestern United States. More recently they wintered in Port Charlotte, Florida. Fred enjoyed life, spending time with family, meeting new friends and was always at the ready with a great story.

Fred was a veteran of Scouting for over 60 years serving in many capacities including vice president of Area 1 Northeast Region Boy Scouts of America, president of the Mohegan Council and a member of the Mohegan Council executive board for 20 years. He was a trustee of the Treasure Valley Reservation and was trustee emeritis at the time of his death. Fred received the Silver Beaver award in 1973 and the Silver Antelope in 1990; the highest award for Scouting volunteers.

Fred's family wants to thank the staff at Millbury Healthcare for the loving support and exceptional care that they provided to Fred and all of them during a very difficult time.

Fred's funeral will be held Saturday, Feb. 4 from Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 Main St. in Millbury with a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Brigid Church, 59 Main St. in Millbury. Burial will be in St. Brigid Cemetery in Millbury. Calling hours are 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3 in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Frederick J. and Shirley M. Aspinwall Memorial Fund, Boy Scouts of America Mohegan Council, Treasure Valley Scout Reservation, 19 Harvard St., Worcester, MA 01609 or to the Joslin Clinic Development Office, Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215.

To leave a special message or memory for the family in Fred's online condolence book please visit www.mulhane.com.