OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Thomas H. Fregeau, 87, a retired Old Orchard Beach Pier Concessionaire and Businessman, died Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough, Maine.

He was born May 10, 1931, a son of the late Lawrence and Florence Heyde Fregeau, in Columbus, Ohio.

Following the death of his parents when he was young, Tom came to live with his Aunt Loretta Fregeau Loranger, her husband Arthur, and their family in Old Orchard Beach.

He was educated in Old Orchard Beach schools and graduated Old Orchard Beach High School in 1949.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  Following his discharge from the Army, he married Reinette Y. Fortier.

In 1954, he and Reinette purchased a long time Ice Cream Concession stand on the Old Orchard Beach Pier. They later purchased the famous Booth French Fried concession, also located on the pier, which is still family operated as “Pier Fries” in the Whitehall Block on Old Orchard Street.

Mr. Fregeau along with the late Dr. Raymond J. Begin and Joseph D. Mokarzel established and developed Pleasant Wood Estate, a local retirement community.

When he and Reinette retired, they moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida during the winter months and enjoyed the mountains of North Carolina during the summers. She died in 1997.

Besides his parents and his wife, he was predeceased by a brother, Jerome, and a son, Steven.

Survivors include Steven’s and Tiffany’s children, granddaughter Julia Fregeau and grandson Thomas S. Fregeau; Tiffany Buotte and her husband Allan, all of Old Orchard Beach.

Five years ago, Tom (Papa) thought it was time to move back to Old Orchard to be closer to family and especially his grandchildren whom he adored. He moved back into the home that he built in 1956. Upon his arrival home he enjoyed following his beloved Red Sox, Patriots and the Ohio State Buckeyes. The thing most locals knew about Tom was that he was the owner of Pier French Fries for over 30 years.  One thing not known of him was that his father created the original 7-Up soda logo and received royalties for many years.

He enjoyed going out to dinner with the family and lunches with his brother-in-law Charles Fortier. However, most of his time was spent watching television and in particular the stock market. He will be extremely missed!

It was Tom’s request that there be no visitation or funeral.  A Graveside ceremony with Military Honors will be held in the spring at the family lot in Scarborough Memorial Cemetery in Scarborough.

Arrangements are by the OLD ORCHARD BEACH FUNERAL HOME, oobfh.com.