Burlington – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Fred Willis, on July 4, 2023 at the age of 75 with his loving wife of 16 years Darlene (Shiner) at his side. He forged an enduring legacy as a formidable NFL running back and successful restaurant entrepreneur.
Fred leaves behind five children Drew Willis, Brett Willis, Hunt Willis, Taylor Willis, and Layne Willis and two stepchildren Angela (D’Ambrosio) O’Connor and Trevor Adams along with 9 grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sister and five brothers, Kevin Willis and his wife Kathleen of Medway, Mary Bardellini and her husband Robert of Northborough, Patrick Willis and his wife Marilyn of Scottsdale, AZ, Michael Willis and his wife Joanne of Nashua, NH, Daniel Willis and his wife Mia of Franklin, Joseph Willis and his wife Andrea of Natick.
Born on December 9, 1947 to Frederick Francis Willis Jr and Elizabeth (Gallo) in Natick, MA, Fred displayed an innate talent for football from a young age. Fred attended Marian High School in Framingham, Massachusetts and Kimball Union Academy in Plainfield, NH where he was an All-American High School and Prep School player, breaking the all-time New England schoolboy scoring record in 1966.
At Boston College, Fred was one of few athletes to excel in two sports at an elite level, playing both Football and Hockey. A halfback, he established a career rushing mark with 2,115 yards in three varsity seasons. He was the first Eagles’ running back to surpass 1,000 yards rushing in a single season when he totaled 1,107 his senior year. He was voted All-America and All-East his senior season of 1970 and received the George H. “Bulger” Lowe Award (top football player in New England) and was selected for the all-star Senior Bowl and Blue-Gray games. He was also a top 6 forward and team captain for the Eagles’ hockey team. He was inducted into the Boston College Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977.
Eventually catching the attention of professional scouts. In 1971, Fred’s dream came true when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals as the 15th pick in the 4th round of the NFL draft, embarking on a remarkable career that would solidify his place in football history.
During his years in the NFL (1971-1976), Fred showcased unparalleled skill, agility, and determination. Known for his lightning-fast speed and powerful rushes, he became a force to be reckoned with on the field. In 1973, Fred had the distinct achievement of being awarded the conference receiving title with 57 catches to lead the AFC.
After his football career, Fred was a founding partner of Fuddruckers restaurant in 1979 and grew the franchise by building dozens of locations nationwide. He would go on to establish several other successful restaurants throughout his life: Steamers Bar & Grill in Hyannisport, Willy’s Bar-B-Q in Westboro, Willy’s Steakhouse Grill & Sushi Bar in Shrewsbury, and Willy’s Tuscan Trattoria in Shrewsbury.
As the Founder & Executive Director of NFL Players Brains Matter, and Founder, President & CEO of HPN Neurologic, Fred was a fierce, tireless, and unrelenting fighter on behalf of the movement for former retired NFL Players suffering the symptoms of CTE. Through his continued advocacy, treatment and accumulating trial study data and exhaustive work ethic and ground-breaking representation, Fred has helped raise the issue of TBI/CTE into the national consciousness and is changing how sports are played and how players of all sports return to the game from concussions.
We celebrate the indelible mark Fred has left on the world of football. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes to push the boundaries of their abilities and strive for greatness. Fred’s memory will live on in the annals of football history, forever etched in the hearts of fans who witnessed his extraordinary talent.
ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be held from the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, on Wednesday, July 12, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at St. Adelaide’s Church, 708 Lowell St., Peabody at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial in the Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Visiting hours on Tuesday, July 11th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
