Frederick O. J. "Fred" Muzi

Frederick OJ Muzi, lifelong resident of Needham, Dover, and Aiken S.C.  as well as “Mayor” of Muzi Ford City died October 19th after a brief illness at the age of 87.

Fred is survived by his brother-in-law, William Cammarano; his beloved partner, “My Annie” Matthies, and her children: Suzanne Sullivan, Julie Schleckser, Richard Schleckser & Raymond Houle, Eric & Janet Matthies, Kurt Matthies & Shannon Fahy, Kristin & Eddie Cerrato.  Fred is also survived by his nieces & nephews:  Lyn & Glenn Moodie, Dale & Peter Sinesi, Glen Cammarano & Daniela Borghini, Neal & Lisa Cammarano; his cousins: Angelo Muzi, Joe Muzi, Leigh Ann Muzi & Larry Beland, Michael & Karen Muzi,

Mark Muzi, Andrea & Leo Deleon.  Fred is also survived by a cast of beloved grand nieces, nephews, Matthies grandchildren, cousins, and friends.  He is predeceased by his parents, John and Bertha Muzi, and his sister, Berta M. Cammarano.

Fred was born on May 1, 1931 in Stoneham, Massachusetts.  He graduated from Babson College in 1954, and after two years of military service, he joined, what would be his life’s work, the automotive business started by his father John, an Italian immigrant.  Fred loved the car business and brought an immense amount of class to all of his business dealings.  After his father retired in 1966, Fred and his brother-in-law, Bill Cammarano, grew the business into the thriving concern we know today.  His legacy is proudly continued by his nephews, Neal and Glen Cammarano, as well as his niece, Dale M.C. Sinesi. Mention Fred to any of the thousands of employees, customers or business partners who interacted or worked with him over the years and they will inevitably smile. His leadership, vision and inimitable spirit profoundly impacted many lives for the better. 

Along with the automobile business, Fred’s passions in life included dancing and horseback riding.  In his younger days before his knees gave out, Fred was an accomplished ballroom dancer.  While regularly competing in professional/amateur competitions, his incredible showmanship reflected his zest for life and was palpable for his audience.  He brought that same flare and exuberance to his lifelong love of horseback riding.  Being a member of the Norfolk Hunt Club as well as the Aiken Hounds and Whiskey Road in Aiken, South Carolina, Fred would often grace the field in his top hat and traditional dress, always riding up front and never missing a jump or a day of hunting.  He’ll always be remembered in Needham for his participation in the Needham 4th of July parade.  For over 50 years, while celebrating our country’s independence, Fred rode bareback to remind us all not to forget the Native American people who were here before us.

Most importantly, Fred was philanthropic all his life.  Along with his partner Annie, he enthusiastically donated to the causes in which he believed in strongly. While Fred gave to many causes, his main focus was the preservation of open spaces, the promotion of family values, his church, and the needs of children.  Fred’s life experiences shaped his philanthropic efforts.   As an avid horseman, Fred realized the importance of open spaces and supported several organizations trying to preserve open space.  As one who recognized the importance of family values, Fred gave to organizations such as one dedicated to helping children grieve the loss of a parent or sibling. Being a humanitarian and after being exposed to the plight of a group of orphans in Sierra Leone, Fred saw the need to help provide for their needs. Fred was a man of many interests and his generosity reflected those interests.

Fred was also the ultimate host and always lit up the room with his smile.  Having built his house in Dover and Cataumet for entertaining, Fred had countless parties at his home ranging from fund raising events and company get togethers, to hunt club parties and family holiday gatherings.  He was always polite, friendly and exceedingly generous in spirit.   A lovely man with a lot to give, he graced the lives of those who knew him.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 11:00AM at Carter Memorial United Methodist Church, 800 Highland Avenue, Needham, followed by a reception at M.I.T. Endicott House, 80 Haven Street Dedham.  Visiting hours will be held in Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue, Needham, from 4-8PM on Friday, October 26th.   In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Fred’s memory to The Trustees of Reservation.   Checks can be made payable to “The Trustees” with the memo line reading IMO Fred Muzi. Checks can be mailed to The Trustees, 200 High St. Fl. 4, Boston, MA 02110.  Checks can also be sent to the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, P.O. Box 1702, Aiken, SC 29802

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