PROVINCETOWN — Frederico Pedro Rocha Jr. of Provincetown, known as “Freddie,” died on Dec. 29, 2019 at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis after falling ill on Shank Painter Road. He was 68.
Born in Westerly, R.I., a son of Patricia Ann [Joseph] and the late Frederico Rocha Sr., he spent most of his life at his parents’ home off Commercial Street in Provincetown. He became known throughout town for his daily walks up and down Commercial Street.
He was a devout Catholic with a strong sense of faith who regularly could be found at St. Peter the Apostle Church singing the Gloria and other songs and prayers with complete sincerity, devotion, and joy.
Of Portuguese descent and a working-class upbringing, he learned the value of a dollar at an early age. He began working small side jobs at age 10. In his prime, he owned several businesses and worked as a house painter, a steeplejack, and a logger. In recent years he enjoyed shoveling snow during the winter with a large roster of customers.
A trip to Florida in 1979 became a turning point in Freddie’s life. After his return home he was never quite the same. It was at that time he began to have mental health issues, only to be diagnosed much later. Provincetown became a safe haven for him.
Freddie was a lovable rogue with a kind and generous spirit. He will be remembered by friends, family, and all those who have been touched by the humanity of his life’s story.
He is survived by his mother, Patricia Ann Rocha of Yarmouth Port; a brother, Dennis Rocha, and his wife, Barbara, of Connecticut; a sister, Mary Isabelle Welles, of Falmouth; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Linda.
Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at St. Peter the Apostle Church, 11 Prince St., Provincetown. Burial will occur in the spring.
To leave a condolence for the family or share a memory, visit the guest book at gatelyfuneralservice.com.
