HUDSON, Mass. – Ernest F. “Freddie” Thistle, 79, of Hudson, Mass., formerly of Marlborough and Framingham, died Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003 at UMass Health System, 55 Lake Ave., North. He leaves his wife of 58 years, Edith L. (Homer) Thistle; two sons, Dale Thistle and his wife, Sylvia, of Skowhegan and Paul Thistle and his wife, Joanne of Hopkinton; eight grandchildren, Sarah Connell, Leah Thistle, Peter Thistle, Eric Thistle, Nathan Thistle, Amy Thistle, Kristen Thistle and Laurie Thistle. He was born in Everett, Mass, the son of the late John and Sarah (Seeley) Thistle and had lived in Hudson, Mass., for the past 19 years. He was a graduate of Framingham High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II serving in the North African Campaign and in the Invasion of Italy. He was the regional franchise manager of Radio Shack in Braintree, Mass.; the former owner and operator of the former Boroughs Buick Dealership in Marlborough and most recently was the staff manager of the John Hancock Insurance Co. in Framingham. He lived in Melrose for many years and was a member of the First Baptist Church where he was active in the Youth Programs and the senior choir. He was a member of the Melrose Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Masonic Ritual Rites Degree Team. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, fly tier and coin collector. He also enjoyed ballroom dancing with his wife; coaching his son, Dale, in Little League; listening to his son, Paul, play the organ; hugging his grandchildren and relaxing in his atrium watching wildlife. A service in celebration of his life will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003, in the Plymouth Congregational Church, 87 Edgell Road, Framingham, Mass. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Calling hours at the John P. Rowe Funeral Home Inc., 57 Main St., Marlborough, Mass., will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday. Burial in Forestvale Cemetery, Hudson, Mass., will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Music Program of Quincy Point Congregational Church, 444 Washington St., Quincy, MA 02169, where his son, Paul serves as director of music and organist.
ERNEST F. ‘FREDDIE’ THISTLE
