Frederic D. Mascolo, known affectionately to Islanders as Trader Fred, passed away Wednesday at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital after battling a terminal illness. He was 65 years old.
The owner of a local real estate firm and of the popular Edgartown discount store, Trader Fred’s – along with many other ventures — Mascolo was well known and well respected throughout the Vineyard community since moving to the Island from Connecticut in the early 80’s.
Over the course of his life on Martha’s Vineyard, Mascolo rubbed shoulders with a plethora of famous personalities, from hanging out with his friend Jim Belushi, to supplying former president Bill Clinton with his shop’s Arturo Fuente and Opus X cigars, of which Trader Fred’s was an authorized dealer.
Mascolo had been pursuing a career in law before moving to the Vineyard, where he opened up budget friendly shops to counter high-priced Island stores.
He had served on the Edgartown planning board, along with having been a former president of the Edgartown Board of Trade.
A celebration of Mascolo’s life will take place at a future date.
Oh Dear. Too young. Thank you, Trader Fred, for all those good deals I got on jeans and this and thats. Thank you for catering to those with modest budgets. Go Well!
I am very sad to hear. Fred was a very kind man with a heart of gold. He was introduced to me soon after we moved to the Vineyard 27 years ago. Fred will be missed and his legacy will endure. He loved the island and cherished his friendships with so many people. My heart goes out to him, God bless him. My friend. Cliff
only the good die young. Yeah, some people
might think 65 is not young, but they are likely
not over 65.
Another iconic Vineyard figure lost.
Condolences to the family and friends.
Fred was the first truly local ‘celebrity’ I met here way back in the 90s. Trader Fred’s was a favorite haunt for my bargain loving Mom and Dad and I too became an avid customer. The barely used driver I got there produced 285 yard bombs at the Farm Neck range. When he moved into his cigar phase, he made it a fun pursuit even for we once a year smokers. Fred was a big, loud, Range Rover driving guy, but he was also very generous to the island with a heart of pure gold.
Trader Fred will be so missed. He properly belongs in the MV Hall of Fame for his marketing philosophy.
Who remembers those late night cable TV commercials, Ken Goldberg narrating, advertising some new shipment of something at Trader Fred’s, the end of which had the back end of his dog, big sunglasses perched above its wagging tail, illustrating enthusiasm.
Thanks Fred!
Tashmoo was an amazing dog. My mother adored Fred and he cast her in a few of those commercials. He was authentic and a wonder and yes, a hall of famer.
Oh man, forgot all about those. They’d show ’em at the end of MV high school sports on local access. Miss Ken Goldberg and Norm Vunk doing football. “Say good night Norm”
Heart broken! RIP Fred. You were a great guy.
We always loved your store, and Tasmoo, that sweet dog. Rest in Peace.
I bought my first hammer from Fred in 1984.
I think it was during the annual rock sale he used to have.
“Bring in a rock, get 10% off. All rocks go to needy holes. Please, no asphalt.”
Trader Fred was kind and generous to many and will be missed. He was always interested in the deal (his business and hobby) and was quick to please customers and friends with deals that favored their wallet and fancy. Fred was analytic and careful in his thinking, which helped in scoping projects but he would be more aptly remembered through his keen interest in family and friends and their long-standing well being. His love for Tashmoo, his Vizsla, was exemplary, feeding him burgers and roast beef regularly. The disease that ate away at him was as cruel and painful as any malady could be, but he didn’t complain; rather he kept watch out for others and their prosperity. Praise his kindness and may he be at peace and in utter rest!
I wish to understand ‘awaiting moderation’? Am I to reduce this memorial contribution?
Thank you kindly!
David Bruce
Fred was the most amazing friend to me and my family. He started out being my real estate agent, and ended up family. We will miss him, his friendship, and his heart of gold. RIP my brother. No more suffering. Only peace. My condolences to his family. I know his nephews will miss him terribly. He adored and was so proud of them.
In 1977, Fred visited me for a weekend on Martha’s Vineyard at our rented home across from Uncle Seth’s Pond in West Tisbury. He loved the island and literally never left.
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