BRISTOL – Frederick James Tough Sr., 73, of Bristol, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, at the Cook Willow Nursing Center in Plymouth after battling a long illness.
Frederick (Fred or “Freddie” to those who knew and loved him) was born in Westerly, R.I., on April 19, 1949, a son of the late James Alexander and Virginia (Weeks) Tough. He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran, serving our country during the Vietnam War, and remaining involved with the U.S. Veterans Affairs. Before his retirement, Fred worked in quality control for General Dynamics for 12 years. Fred will be remembered for his sense of humor, kind eyes and selfless heart, his love of music (especially country and classic rock) and pool, and the joy he took from spending time with his family, which included fishing in his younger days.
Fred leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Frederick J. Tough Jr. and his wife, Rebecca, of Middleburg, Fla., Michael A. Guzman-Tough and his husband, Felix, of Norwalk, Megan A. Ferrari and her husband, Adam, of Southington, and brother, David Tough, of Westerly, R.I.
He also leaves seven beloved grandchildren, Kassandra A. Tough, and Barbara A., Marian E., Frederick J., and Joeseph K. Gronquist-Tough, and Madison G. and Owen G. Ferrari; his former wife, Donna (Yarnall) Tough; two former sisters-in-law, Anita Tough and Marybeth Ali; several nieces and nephews and many longtime friends including, Mike and Jan Gagnon.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara (Freeborn) Tough; and sisters, Ellen Tough Lay-Ockert and Val Provancha.
The family would like to thank the staff at Cook Willow for their kindness, care, and comfort that they provided him.
A Celebration of Life Service with military honors was at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Fred’s name may be made to American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org or Homes For Our Troops, 6 Main St., Taunton, MA 02780.
For information, or to send e-condolences, visit chaseparkwaymemorial.com.
