Frederic W. Watriss Jr., 78

Frederic W. Watriss Jr., 78, of Acton, passed away at Emerson Hospital on June 25, 2025, following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Judith Robb (Harris) Watriss, who died in 2015.

Frederic graduated from MIT in 1969 and spent his career creating software at companies including Saddlebrook and Pegasystems, ultimately retiring in March 2006. He was known, among other things, for bringing in doughnuts on Fridays “to make sure he’d be able to see everyone at least once a week.”

Fred enjoyed fly fishing on the Miramichi River in Canada, reading, listening to classical music, and spending time with his family. He also served on the Acton Planning Board for a number of years and kept abreast of developments in the community. He was widely appreciated for his ability to bring a sense of calm to a room, his dry sense of humor, and his warm, genuine laugh. 

Fred was the oldest son of Mary Elizabeth Watriss and Frederic W. Watriss Sr. and survived his brother James Gilbert. He is survived by his two children, four stepchildren, and nine grandchildren. He also leaves behind his partner of 10 years, Gretchen Scholten.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be planned at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fred’s honor may be made to WGBH. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Acton. To share a memory or offer a condolence on his tribute page, visit DeeFuneralHome.com.