Frederick “Fred” Margolis passed away peacefully on Friday, October 14, 2016, in Florida surrounded by his wife and 4 children. Fred was the son of the late Sigmund and Tillie Margolis. Fred was born in Newport, RI on June 7, 1935. Fred graduated from Rogers High School where he earned All-State and All-America honors in football and was rated as one of the best two-way players at his tackle position. After high school, Fred served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force, 2 of which he was stationed in Japan and earned 1st Team All-American status at defensive tackle. Fred turned down the opportunity to go pro and returned to Newport to join the family business, Sigs Market.
In 1976, Fred and his brother Maurice opened Fifth Ward Liquor which they ran together along with Sigs until 1980. At the time, the brothers split the businesses and Fred continued to run Fifth Ward Liquor with his wife Sharon. In 1993 their son Seth joined the business. In 1995 Fred and Sharon retired to Florida turning the business over to Seth.
Fred was member of Temple Shalom, Gooseberry Beach and The Newport Lodge of Elks. He enjoyed golf and card playing with family and friends. He was an avid Patriots and Yankees fan.
Most of all, he enjoyed time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sharon, his children Scott and wife Julie of Rockland, MA, Seth and his wife Erin of Newport, Wayne and his wife Karen of Cumberland and his daughter Staci and her husband Frederick “Reg” Croy of Richmond, RI. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Mikaela, Lilly, Sarah, Jordan, Ben, Katie, Ellie and Tess Margolis. He is also survived by his brother Maurice and wife Brenda of Lake Worth, FL and his sister-in-law Sylvia Margolis of Frisco, Texas. Fred was predeceased by his sister Rita Trust and brother Stanley Margolis.
A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016 at the Hoffman Jewish Memorial Chapel, 11 Fowler Avenue, Newport at 3pm. Burial will be in Beth Olam Cemetery, Wyatt Road in Middletown, RI. Shiva will be Sunday after services at 11 Morton Avenue and Monday from 2-5pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Abbey Delray South Chaplains Fund, 1717 Homewood Blvd., Delray Beach, FL 33445.
