Fernando A. 'Chico' Figueras

You are a piece of the puzzle of someone else's life. You may never know where you fit but others will fill the holes in their lives with pieces of you. Anyone that knew Chico Figueras knows he was masterful at completing the most detailed and intricate thousand-plus piece puzzles with great patience and skill.

Fernando A. 'Chico' Figueras was born February 28, 1937 in Camaguey, Cuba the only child of the late Fernando Alberto and Delia (Perez) Figueras. A graduate of De La Salle High School in Havana he later emigrated from his native Cuba to the United States. Proudly he came to the United States on July 4, 1958 and with no coincidence Chico's favorite songs were the great hit song by Abba 'Fernando' and…God Bless America perhaps in that order.

Chico found life's rest after a struggle with Alzheimer's disease on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 when he died in the comfort of his home. He was 82.

Life in America meant hard work and more education. He graduated from Nichols College with a Bachelor's degree in Business. His college roommate and lifelong friend, Joe Maurello's parents (Florence and Tony) adopted Chico like he was their own. It also afforded him an opportunity for a blind date in which he met Vernon Hill native Madeline A. McCrohon. They later married on July 6, 1968 in Saint Brigid's Church in Millbury and made Shrewsbury home for over 50 years.

Professionally, he began as a social worker for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the Worcester office of the Department of Public Welfare. He was a much respected colleague in the court system as a probation officer where he enjoyed the appointment of Chief Probation Court Officer his last ten years before his retirement. A large family meant work beyond the courthouse hours. In conjunction with work at the courthouse he and many family members worked part-time for Toupin's Catering with Chico as bartender.

Retirement didn't mean slowing down…rather just changing directions. He loved the game of golf and was a longtime ranger at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston where he worked over 15 years. While at Cyprian he scored a hole-in-one (July 11, 2012 6th hole, 180 yards). Granted it was a par three hole that he hit from the tee with his driver but a hole in one is a hole in one. When things were quiet he loved a game of liar's poker with many of the caddies and co-workers. He was also a familiar face and patient instructor in the passenger seat when he worked for Safety Council Driver's Education Company and Chico also fairly umpired many games in the Shrewsbury Little and Babe Ruth leagues.

His home on Gulf Street was the 'home of the brave'. In fact that's how he'd answer the phone much to the chagrin of family members. With his green thumb and signature cigar in his mouth his yard was his oasis and the envy of the street where the grass really was greener. And when not in the yard he was in the driveway washing each of the cars of which he masterfully negotiated at purchase. It was always family where Chico was rooted and most content. Christmas meant matching and color coordinated pajamas for the entire family, silly gifts and crazy hats. Vacations and time on the beach with all of his grand kids created no better place to be. Chico had a fantastic sense of humor with an ability to laugh with and be laughed at so that the room could be filled with the sound of really good belly laughs! He was a good guy! And inside the house where he and 'Maddy' raised, disciplined and most of all loved their four kids were pinball machines, bowling machines, a ping pong table and jukebox, card games (pinochle, blackjack and pitch), domino games, chess, backgammon and cribbage boards. An avid tennis player he was a familiar face at the Shrewsbury Tennis Club and a member of Adelphi Council #4181 Knights of Columbus.

In addition to his wife of 51 years, 'Maddy' he leaves their children, Allison Figueras-Smith (Eddie) of West Greenwich, RI, Caryn D. Keenan (Scott) of Paxton, Andrea M. Michaud (late Sean) of Littleton, Matthew Figueras (Kimberly) of Paxton; his grandchildren, Mason & Adysen Figueras, Owen & Dylan Keenan, Frances Smith, Colin & Lexi Michaud; his cousin Barbara Diaz and the late Patty Tanyo and his late aunt Maria De La Noval; in-laws James McCrohon (Marie) of Shrewsbury and Patricia McCrohan (late Ronnie) of Sutton; nieces & nephews; godchildren, Jennifer Maurello and Crissy Bowles.

Family and friends will honor and remember Chico's life by gathering for calling hours on Friday, August 2nd at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, 284 East Temple Street, Boylston from 4 - 7 p.m. Additionally a calling hour will be held Saturday, August 3rd from 9 - 10 a.m. in Saint Mary of the Hills Church, 630 Cross Street, Boylston followed by his Funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.

Memorials in his name may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.