Frederick J. Flett

Frederick John Flett, known to all as Fred, passed away peacefully May 1, 2026 at his beloved home in York, ME, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Fred was born on February 17, 1952, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Brighton, MA, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a focus in Elizabethan English. It was a fitting academic path for someone who would prove himself a true Renaissance man in every sense and was just the beginning of a life defined by curiosity, warmth, and an insatiable love of learning. Fred had an extraordinary gift for collecting knowledge and random facts, and he carried that intellectual curiosity into everything he did.

Fred's love affair with York Beach began when he was just six months old, vacationing there with his family. Many treasured family photographs were taken at Long Sands, where he and his brother Frank played for hours among the rocks and surf. That deep connection to the coast never faded. Fred grew up in Cambridge MA, in and around Harvard Square. After more than 30 years as a longtime resident of Salem, MA, Fred and his wife Donna purchased a home in York Beach, ME in June 2009 and made it their permanent residence in 2014, giving Fred over a decade in the place where he was happiest, sitting on the beach in the sun, a good book in hand and Donna at his side.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick "Fred" Flett and Emma "Pat" (Pizzella) Flett; and his brother, Francis "Frank" Flett. He is survived by his devoted wife, Donna Allard-Flett, nieces Shannon Flett, and her husband, Ed Neumann of Plymouth, MA and Allison Flett of Somerville, MA. Sister-in-law Lynn (Allard) Smith, her husband Joseph "Joe" Smith, of Harpswell, ME and their daughter Alfreda (Smith) Cutler, and her husband, Chapin Cutler of Kent, WA; Brother-in-law Jon Allard and his wife, Karin (French) Allard of Portsmouth, NH and their son Robert Allard and his wife Amanda (Schramm) Allard of Rochdale, MA and their daughter Edith Allard and her partner Boris Sheludko of New York, NY and many cousins. 

Fred and Donna's love story began in 1974, and the two were nearly inseparable from that moment on. They married on September 12, 1987, in Atkinson, NH, and built a life full of travel, adventure, good long-time friendships, food, live theatre, and laughter. They were devoted members of the Ogunquit Playhouse for years and shared a passion for antiquing that led Fred to become a full-time antique dealer over 25 years ago a profession that perfectly suited his love of history and beautiful things. He filled his home with antiques and treasures found in their travels. Fred loved hosting friends, throwing a good party, and settling into a competitive game of whist. He adored reading, museums, art, history, and collecting knowledge and random facts. He had a tender heart for all animals and was affectionately known as “Freddy”, “Uncle Fred”, “Uncle Freddy”, and “Cousin Uncle Freddy” by loved ones and the countless friends whose lives he brightened. His generosity and warmth touched everyone who knew him.

May Fred find eternal peace in God's grace, resting now in the warmth and light he always sought.

A Funeral Service will be held at Lucas Eaton Funeral Home, 91 Long Sands Road, York, ME on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11am. In true Fred-Style, please feel free to honor Fred by wearing your best Hawaiian shirt! A reception will follow at York Harbor Inn, 480 York Street, York Harbor, ME. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in Memory of Fred Flett. (https://secure.pancan.org/site/TR/DIY/DIYTeamraisers?pg=personal&px=3988591&fr_id=2443)

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