It is with profound sadness that we announce that Frederick (Fred) Elkins McCrillis, 84 years old, from Rochester, NH, passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving wife Shirley on June 6, 2026, after a period of declining health. Fred was born on May 18, 1942, in Rochester, NH to Otto Wellington McCrillis and Ruth Wentworth McCrillis (Elkins).

Fred grew up in East Rochester, attended the local elementary school and graduated from Spaulding High School, Class of 1960. He went on to attend the Wentworth Institute in Boston earning a degree in mechanical engineering.

He spent most of his career working for Kidder Press, and saw the company evolve over his 37 years there. His position allowed him to travel all over the world and he loved every minute of it. He ultimately retired from Goss Manufacturing in 2003, at the age of 60.

Fred met the love of his life, Shirley, in 1981, and together they spent the next 45 years creating a beautiful life together. They had many lifelong friends with whom they had great times, whether traveling, going to dances, playing cards, cruising, camping, eating in restaurants or just hanging out. Their trips to Hawaii, France and many trips to Quebec City, Canada were especially memorable.

Fred loved the outdoors. He especially enjoyed fly fishing, camping and skiing. Fred was an avid skier and skied all over New England including Tuckerman’s Ravine, as well as trips to Colorado and Utah with family and friends.

Fred was a social, fun-loving guy who loved to laugh and loved nothing more than to be among a group of people having a good time. He enjoyed making people laugh, but he was also an attentive listener. When you spoke to Fred you felt heard. He had many lifelong friends and maintained a strong kinship with other members of his 1960 graduating class. Fred was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #1393 in Rochester.

Fred is survived by his wife Shirley (Lazzara) McCrillis of Rochester, NH, his son Ryan McCrillis and wife Heather of Knoxville, TN, his daughter Karrie Ann Myer and husband Steve of Sanford ME, his

son Kevin Jacques of Rochester, NH, and his son Eric Jacques and wife Melissa of Barrington, NH. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jared Grace and wife Sarah-Anne, Alexis Jacques and her fiancée Matthew, Adriane Jacques, Nathan Jacques, Cameron Jacques and Hudsen Jacques, sisters-in-law Betty McCrillis of Rochester, NH, Patricia Oliver of Rochester, NH, Diane Huggard of Shapleigh, ME, Gerri Mullins of Berwick, ME., Joni Lazzara of Port Orange Fla. and brother-in-law Dennis Lazzara and his wife Michelle of Wells, ME., as well as many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

Fred was predeceased by his parents Otto and Ruth McCrillis, his brother Ralph McCrillis, and brothers in law Thomas Lazzara, and Norman Lazzara.

A life well lived leaves an imprint that time cannot erase and the memory of Fred will remain in the hearts of those who loved him forever.

Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the R.M. Edgerly Funeral Home, 86 South Main Street, Rochester, NH 03867 at 11 AM. Burial will be for immediate family only at the New Cold Spring Cemetery in East Rochester, NH.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to FuRRR Feline and Rescue. 73 Pickering Road, Suite B99, Rochester, NH 03839.