Melrose's Thayer Fremont-Smith, Judge Who 'Led With Love,' Dies

MELROSE, MA — Thayer Fremont-Smith, a former Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court who would himself pick up trash on his walks downtown, died Tuesday at his Bellevue Avenue home. He was 88.

A sensitive man and supporter of the arts, Fremont-Smith spent time as the Chairman of the Planning Board and Director of the Melrose YMCA. He worked to make the city more presentable at a time when neon store signs still poked out onto Main Street, according to one of his four sons.

"He was a champion of the trees," James Fremont-Smith said. "He used to walk down, Judge Fremont, and pick up the trash. I would say, 'Dad let someone else do it.' That's how much he loved the town."

Fremont-Smith gained some national notoriety for his role in a malpractice case related to the 1993 death of Celtics star Reggie Lewis. Fremont-Smith declared a mistrial in the 1999 case.

But it was his character he was most admired for.

"Total gentleman, but no nonsense," attorney Bob Bell said. "Always there to help Melrose progress."

"He was a rare dad for men of that generation," James Fremont-Smith said. "He was a very sensitive guy, teaching us growing up we'd talk about considering our feelings. He was ahead of his time. He was a warm guy, played the piano, he'd welcome you in. He was always at the center of it. You'd always be struck by his warmth and sensitivity ... He led with love."

Thayer Fremont-Smith is survived by his wife of, Anne Fremont-Smith, a former Melrose athlete who their son noted got married about the same John F. Kennedy was elected, and his sons James Fremont-Smith, Mathew Fremont-Smith, Thomas Fremont-Smith of Newburyport, MA and Phillip Fremont-Smith of Belmont, as well as many nieces, nephews and grandchildren.