Robert W. Freccero, 86, of North Reading and formerly of the West End of Boston, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 10, 1940, Bob was the beloved son of the late Giuseppe and Maria (Bagatti) Freccero. He was raised in Boston and graduated from Boston Trade School. He continued his education at Wentworth Institute and the Northeast Institute of Technology.
Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army as an SP5 Combat Engineer from 1958 to 1962, followed by two additional years in the Army Reserve.
Throughout his distinguished career, Bob earned numerous professional licenses and certifications. He was a licensed HVAC mechanic, Master Pipefitter, Master Sprinkler Fitter, Licensed Refrigeration Mechanic, Licensed Oil Burner Technician, and held multiple industry certifications. As a proud member of Local 537, he worked as a Master Pipefitter, Welder, Boiler Technician, and Construction Superintendent. He contributed to the construction of the Prudential Center and several of Boston’s leading hospitals before advancing to the roles of Foreman and Facilities Manager with Leggat McCall and later Clarion Realty.
A resident of North Reading since 1968, Bob was an active member of the community. He belonged to Saint Theresa’s Church and served as a Special Police Officer for the Town of North Reading. He was also a member of the Order of Sons of Italy, Toastmasters of Stoneham, the West Enders (dedicated to preserving the memories of Boston’s historic West End), and the North Shore American Institute of Plant Engineers.
Bob was a generous, selfless man and a natural teacher who freely shared his knowledge with others. He never judged anyone and was known for his enormous heart, unwavering kindness, and dedication to helping others. He was a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, and among Bob’s proudest achievements, personally built and provided multiple long-term homes for special needs individuals. Above all, Bob cherished his family. He loved traveling to Palm Springs, California, which he considered his second home, enjoyed regular trips to the casino, treasured fishing adventures with his friends and grandsons, and never passed up an opportunity to gather everyone for a meal. His greatest joy was spreading happiness and making others smile, laugh and feel important.
Bob was the devoted husband of Patricia H. Freccero and the loving father of Maria Freccero. He was predeceased by his beloved children Robbie, Michael, and Michelle Freccero. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Joe Freccero, Lillian Maracini, Lawrence Freccero and Katherine Kawa.
He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, David, Christina, Anthony and his wife Kim, Gabriel and his fiancé Raina Pothitakis, Mia, and Gianna Freccero; his treasured great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Leah; and was deeply devoted to Kenneth Marshall, Fred Parziale, Marietta, Paul, and Kim Maraccini, as well as the Perez, Marshall, Rakers, and Gerardi families. Bob’s love, guidance, and generosity will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Family and friends are invited to gather at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading MA, on Friday, July 17, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King–St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill Street, Reading MA. Interment will take place at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Peabody.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob’s memory to The Infinite Learning House, 286 Park Street, Unit 5, North Reading, MA 01864.