Frederick E. Young of Wellfleet’s Holden Inn died on Feb. 13, 2022 at Cape Cod Hospital. He had suffered for many years from inclusion body myositis, a degenerative muscle disease, and he had recently contracted Covid-19. He was 72.
The son of Henry F. and Eleanor F. Young, Fred was born in Lykens, Pa. and grew up in Wilmington, Del. When he was young, he joined the Cub Scouts and later became an Eagle Scout.
After graduating from high school in 1967, he joined the Air Force. In four years he attained the rank of sergeant, completing his active service at the North Truro Air Force Station. After his discharge, Fred remained on the Outer Cape, making a living as a self-employed construction contractor. He became known as a versatile craftsman for his work on countless homes in Truro and Wellfleet.
Fred met his future wife, Patricia Fricker, in Wellfleet, where they settled and raised their son, Jeremy. Fred’s work life was anchored at the Holden Inn, a Wellfleet landmark that had been in the Fricker family since 1924. Fred and Patricia managed the inn from 1985 until they handed the reins to Jeremy and his wife, Heather, who manage the inn today.
Fred was committed to community life on the Outer Cape. He was a member of the Wellfleet Congregational Church, where he served as a trustee in charge of grounds and maintenance. He and Patricia also hosted monthly brunches at the church, welcoming all in fellowship.
Fred also enjoyed the fellowship of the Freemasons; as a member of King Hiram’s Lodge, founded in 1795 in Provincetown, he rose from Entered Apprentice to Fellowcraft to Master Mason, the highest rank.
In the 1990s, Fred served a four-year term on the Wellfleet Marina Advisory Board, which was a special pleasure for him because of his love of being out on the water. He liked to fish and boat with family and friends.
For many years, Fred took his family to Florida for the winter. There he served as a trustee of the Siesta Key Chapel, teaching Sunday School, assisting in the Christmas pageants, and hosting fellowship dinners.
Fred’s family believes Fred is now in a peaceful place, and they envision him in the company of the last dog he owned, Misty, a “white” golden retriever who was his faithful companion.
Fred is survived by his wife of 35 years, Patricia F. Young; his son, Jeremy F. Young, and daughter-in-law Heather E. Young; and their children, Rose and Lillian, all of Wellfleet. He is also survived by his sisters, Barbara Berkheimer and husband Michael of Middletown, Del. and Becky Fethe and husband Tom of Knoxville, Tenn., and their children and grandchildren. The family is especially grateful to Fred’s caregivers.
A celebration of Fred’s life will be held on the back lawn of the Holden Inn on May 21 at 3 p.m. Afterward, Fred’s ashes will be spread at Jeremy Point in Wellfleet.
