Frederick Proia

Naples, Florida – Mr. Frederick Proia, of Naples, Florida and formerly of Sandwich, died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on March 7, 2021. He was 71 years old.

Fred was born in Newton on February 19, 1950, the son of the late Frederick S. and Doris M. (Arsenault) Proia. He was raised in Newton and after graduating from Newton North High School he served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. Later he would earn his undergraduate degree from Suffolk University and his Masters of Finance from Boston College.

His long and successful banking career began at West Newton Savings Bank before being hired at Watertown Savings Bank where he remained for over forty years. Fred retired as Sr. Vice-President of Retail Banking. He and his team were responsible for the successful expansion of the bank's physical presence in Watertown and the surrounding communities. He loved his job at Watertown Savings and made many lifelong friendships with both co-workers and customers alike. He especially enjoyed mentoring his employees and seeing them succeed.

In anticipation of retirement Fred and his wife Leslie moved to the Ridge Club located in Sandwich, MA. This allowed Fred to pursue his passion for golf, where he and Leslie become immersed in the community and made some wonderful and close friendships. Retirement afforded Fred and his wife the opportunity to move to Florida where he was happy to spend more time on the golf course. He loved to travel and his favorite destination was Walt Disney World, allowing he and his family to create many wonderful memories. He was an avid Boston sports fan and grew up with an intense love of the Boston Red Sox and was a passionate Patriots season ticket holder for 20 years

He is survived by his wife, Leslie M. (Peters) Proia; his sons, Andrew F. Proia of Manchester, New Hampshire and Alexander J. Proia of Naples, Florida; his siblings, Bruce Proia (Sharyn) of Newton, Cheryl Proia (Pearl Racette) of Colorado and Cindy Hayes (late Paul McDonald) of Franklin and also leaves many nieces and nephews.

He was also the father of the late Adam C. Proia who died in 2016.

Family and friends will honor and remember Fred's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, March 14th from 2 – 5 p.m.

Fred's funeral service and entombment in Newton Cemetery will be private.

Those who would like to view his Funeral Service may do so via this link https://my.gather.app/remember/frederick-proia on Monday, March 15th at 10 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Dana Farber Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215 or to The Sandwich Food Pantry, 331 Cotuit Road P.O. Box 1824 Sandwich, MA 02563.
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A note from the funeral home pursuant to Governor Baker's recent order:

During times of uncertainty and crisis one might wonder what to do at the loss of a loved one or how to show support to a friend given the limitations that the pandemic continues to present.

Telephone your friend to offer words of love and support, give them a virtual hug, drop something delicious by the house, leave a condolence on the funeral home website, make a donation to their favored charity, send a card or flowers or have a Mass said, remain in touch, and above all else . . . say prayers for the deceased and their family and the world during this difficult and unprecedented time.

These simple gifts of sympathy and charity are more valuable than you will ever know.

When public wakes are held capacity limits mean that your visit should be brief to allow other guests time to say hello to the family. Only members of the immediate family remain present throughout.

It goes without saying that people who have lost someone are especially sensitive and understanding to the concerns that some of their own family members and friends may have about visiting any public places right now. If this does not feel like the right time for you to venture out please don't.

Space limitations also mean that funeral services inside the funeral home and in many places of worship will also be private. Most services, at the family's request, will also be livestreamed and recorded for future viewing. The link to access the channel is found at the bottom of the obituary notice online.

Cemetery services are included in the current outdoor gathering limit of twenty-five people.

During any events, public or private, common sense precautions prevail. That includes masks covering your nose and mouth, staying with your household group throughout the services and keeping a sensible distance.

Thank you . . . again . . . for your patience and understanding.