Fredrick H. Lambert, 85, of Holyoke, Massachusetts, died peacefully on November 22, 2023 at his home with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy (Cooper) Lambert, and five children; Bryan M. (Penny) of Southampton, Gregg A. of Granby Todd M. of Easthampton, Keith A. (Serein) of Florida, and Kelly J. Camp (Steve) of Easthampton. He leaves his sister Deborah Lambert (Frank Cushing) and her son Alan. He also leaves 5 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
Fred was born in Westfield, MA to Romaine F. Lambert and Luella Hamilton Pease. He attended schools in Westfield and Southampton. He graduated from Williston Academy in 1956 and joined the Air Force and was trained at Chanute AFB then joined ANG unit in Westfield, MA.
Fred and Dottie were married on August 18 of 1967. Weeks later, on October 1, the Guard Unit from Westfield was activated and left for Phalsbourg, France on Nov. 1, where he served during the Berlin Conflict. They returned in early August of 1962. Life got back to normal; the Lambert family grew quickly and lived in Southampton for 28 years.
Fred’s work life was in the automotive parts business. Time for pleasure often had to do with something with wheels and an engine such as car or motorcycle races or car meets. Any vehicles he owned were cared for lovingly and with pride. He had many friendships that started at a car meet.
Fred and sons enjoyed outings on their motorcycles over the years. Dottie rode as his passenger, depending on the bike. In later years, stories about motorcycle adventures came to life around the holiday dinner table when the now grown-up family was together. Talking about family trips in the motorhome also triggered good memories, too.
Fred spent one-on-one time with his daughter Kelly during the years that her Mom was working 3-11. He never aspired to be a cook, so dinner out was a special treat for both.
Maintaining a good-looking lawn was a must and a joy. The word meticulous would be appropriate. Cleaning up after a snow storm ran a close 2nd, with sculpted paths around the house and up to the shed.
Fred’s life was centered around his family: parent, in-law, and children and their children. He and Dottie attended church together and sometime also sang in the choir. At Christmastime he loved singing “The First Noel” and particularly found joy in singing the descant part in the refrain. He found joy in the simplest things. He was such a good guy.
A private service was held on December 5th at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Agawam. A memorial service will be held at a later date.