Frederick Hallett Hemley, known as Freddy, died on Aug. 26, 2022, at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston after a short illness, with his family by his side. He was 73.
Freddy was a profoundly devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He possessed a variety of exceptional talents, which included sailing (often steering his Lightning with bare feet and tilting it at breathtaking angles); photography (working and learning early on in this medium alongside John Gregory); traveling; and playing chess and backgammon.
A superb cook, Freddy acquired his skills alongside Sal Del Deo and Ciro Cozzi. The restaurant 9 Ryder was his final culinary venture. Its interior, decorated with enlarged glass plate photographs, reflected his love of Provincetown.
Freddy had boundless energy and cut a dapper profile as he rode his bike down Commercial Street wearing his beret. His integrity and generosity in a variety of roles from family man to friend, worker, and artist ran deep. He lived a full, charitable, unpretentious, and above all happy life. He was grateful for it all.
Freddy was born on Sept. 3, 1948, the son of the late Kathryn Gilman and Cecil Hemley, grandson of Donald and Elsie “Gram” Witherstine, and brother to Sara “Betsy” Hemley, who predeceased him.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Freya, of Eastham; daughters Helen of Belmont and Glea of Eastham and son-in-law Jonathan David Jackson of Belmont; grandchildren Aurelia Elise Jackson and Rafael “Rafa” Hallett Jackson of Belmont; and by his siblings Susan Joseph of Truro, Nancy Easley of Germantown, Md., William “Billy” Gilman of Northport, N.Y., and Judy Hoelzer of Rocky River, Ohio. Freddy is also survived by his mother-in-law, Frederica Laporte of Searsport, Maine; sister-in-law Tannis Sexton of Alderpoint, Calif.; brother-in-law Jonathan “Johnny” Morrill of Van Nuys, Calif.; sister-in-law Susan “Toodan” Laporte of Orlando, Fla.; and by his cat, Dinah, and a steadfast group of exceptional, longtime friends. He loved them all.
A funeral service will be held on Sept. 2 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary of the Harbor Episcopal Church in Provincetown, followed by a memorial gathering at 9 Ryder Restaurant. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may go to the West End Racing Children’s Community Sailing Club (formerly the West End Racing Club) to help foster Freddy’s love of sailing and of Provincetown for future generations of children.
