Fred J. Mernick, Sr.

Fred J. Mernick, 85, of Wakefield, RI, husband of Ann Ruth (McDonald) Mernick, went home to the Lord on Thursday, October 19, 2017 after a lifelong struggle with diabetes. In addition to his wife of 55 years, he is survived by his children: Lee Chartier (Jack); Marianne Mernick-Sullivan (Dan); Frederick J. Mernick Jr. (Alyssa); John R. Mernick (Jennifer); Michael P. Mernick (Tara) and 12 grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters Barbara Heard, Patricia Parenteau and Alice Dooley. He was predeceased by his brother, George Mernick Jr., and his parents, George Mernick Sr. and Eva (Simmons) Mernick. Fred was a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School and was a Korean War Air Force veteran. A true American and Rhode Island success story, Fred attended Brown University after the Air Force, where his business, Matec Inc., was incubated. He served as the Vice President of Matec for nearly 30 years, retiring at 56, after it became a public offering traded on the American Stock Exchange. He was a former member of the East Greenwich Town Committee, chairman of the Juvenile Hearing Board and was heavily involved in East Greenwich politics. He was the former clerk of the state of RI Judiciary Committee. He, and his wife Ann, are inaugural members of The Prout School Hall of Fame. Well done, good and faithful servant. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Thomas More Church, 53 Rockland Street, Narragansett, on Friday, 10/27 at 11 am, followed by interment at the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Jonnycake Center, 1231 Kingstown Road, Peace Dale, RI 02879.