Richard A. Freda Jr. of Quogue Dies May 5

Richard A. Freda Jr. of Quogue died peacefully on May 5, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. He was 63.

Born to Anne Molloy Freda (deceased) and Richard A. Freda Sr. on May 21, 1959, he was a long-time resident of Huntington.

Freda, the owner and operator of All Island Diesel, was known along the North and South shores of Long Island for his outstanding skills as a marine mechanic on diesel yachts and boats. As yacht service manager at Britannia Yachting Center in Northport, Prime Marina in Hampton Bays, Strongs Yacht Center in Mattituck, and most recently Port of Egypt in Southold, he was continually sought after to troubleshoot and solve the most difficult mechanical problems. Fondly known as “Captain Rick,” he also led fishing charters for shark and tuna as owner of Hang ’Em High charters, based out of Montauk.

Devoted to his family, Freda took great pride in his sons Nicholas and Tommasino, never wavering in his support to them, his family said. He gladly dedicated his free time to their sports teams, coaching Little League T-ball, baseball, PAL lacrosse and football, as well as establishing the “Strong Island Saints” travel lacrosse team. He also was a Cub Scouts pack leader. He encouraged and counseled his sons, and he remained a constant presence through the growing pains of high school, college, and adulthood.

Freda was well known by local merchants and fire and police departments within the community. His generosity of heart and time had no limits nor boundaries, his family said. He will be fondly remembered as piloting Hang ’Em High through rolling ocean waves in pursuit of great whites and tuna.

“Fair winds and following seas until we meet again,” his family said. “We are heartbroken by the loss of Rick, who will always be loved and missed.”

He is survived by his wife, Gina Mascia-Freda; sons Nicholas and Tommasino; his father, Richard A. Freda Sr.; siblings Leanne Needham (John), Wayne, and Keith (Kim); his uncle Roger Freda (Elizabeth); mother-in-law Valerie Mascia; brother-in-law Peter Mascia (Carol); and sisters-in-law Anne Marie Mascia (Bob) and Theresa Dunnells (Craig); nieces and nephews Daniel and Caitlin Needham, David Freda, Laurie Ajan (Kemal); and great-niece Leila.

Visitation was on May 10 at the R. J. O’Shea Funeral Home in Hampton Bays. Mass of Resurrection was on May 11 at St. Rosalie’s Church in Hampton Bays. A burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Huntington followed the mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to East End Hospice Kanas Center for Hospice Care, 1 Meeting House Road, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978 (eeh.org), would be appreciated by the family.