Frederick Margolis, 81

FLORIDA – Frederick “Fred” Margolis passed away peacefully on Oct. 14 in Florida surrounded by his wife and four children. Fred was the son of the late Sigmund and Tillie Margolis. He was born in Newport 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. Fred served four years in the U.S. Air Force, two of them 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 that 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 a member of Temple Shalom, Gooseberry Beach and The Newport Lodge of Elks. He enjoyed golf and cards, 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, Mass., 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, Fla., and his sister-in-law Sylvia Margolis of Frisco, Texas. Fred was predeceased by his sister Rita Trust and brother Stanley Margolis.

Donations may be made to the Abbey Delray South Chaplains Fund, 1717 Homewood Blvd., Delray Beach, FL  33445