Fred R. Ayles

Alfred R. (Fred) Ayles, 82, of Leominster, MA and Northport, FL, peacefully passed away November 24, 2023, enveloped by the love of his wife Connie and surrounded by family. 

Born on February 26, 1941 in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada to Harold and Lena (Cormier) Ayles, Fred spent his early years in St. Antoine, NB, fostering a deep pride in his Acadian heritage. At 14 years old, he embarked on a new chapter in the United States, where he would build a rich and fulfilling life, owning the City Line Market, working at Unitil, and post-retirement at St. Bernard’s Elementary School.

Serving in the US Army from 1962 – 1968, Fred was a SP4 stationed in Germany from 1962-1964. He was very active in the American Legion Post 151 in Leominster and AMVETS Post 312 in Northport. He also received a Peacetime Medal from the City of Leominster, for his service.  

As a sports enthusiast, Fred was active in hockey, golf, and pickleball. He started playing hockey when the Wallace Civic Center opened and was a pioneer of the Fitchburg Old Timer Hockey League.  Fred organized the first American-Canadian hockey tournament in 1973 and earned his way into the Old Timer Hall of Fame. He was also a founding member of the Bud Light Olde Knight travel team, creating cherished memories with Connie during tournaments across the US and Canada.  He played hockey into his late seventies.  As a golfer, he was a member at Monoosnock CC and a charter member of Sterling CC where, in 1996, he recorded a hole in one on the 16th hole.  Later in life, Fred took up pickleball where he remained an active player at La Casa in Northport and at Doyle Field.   

Fred’s community spirit extended to many organizations. He was a member of the Acadian Club in Gardner, Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Leominster, a lifetime member of the Leominster Knights of Columbus, and a 4th degree member of the K of C 396 in Fitchburg.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Concetta (Addorisio), his children Robert of Fitchburg, Lisa of Waltham, and Steven and his wife Dawn-Marie (Starr) of Lunenburg, as well as his cherished grandchildren: Michael, Emily, Jillian, Caroline, and Nate.  It will remain a mystery as to which child was his favorite. 

He is also survived by sisters Carole (late Joseph) Jodoin and Ann (late Wilfred) Goodchild, as well as sisters-in-law Rose Anne Addorisio and Lorraine (Robert) Taylor. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Barbara (late Harold) Sanborn, his brothers Donald, George, and Robert, and his sister-in-law Fran Addorisio (Nancy Stone).  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 11:00am at Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Leominster.  Calling hours will take place on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Brandon Funeral Home, Fitchburg. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Bernard’s Elementary School in Fitchburg or Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Leominster. 

Arrangements under the care of Brandon Funeral Home. 305 Wanoosnoc Rd. Fitchburg, MA 01420.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.