"Belchertown-Frederick L. Sliva, 68, of Catherine Dr. passed away at home March 8, 2011. He was born in Springfield, MA on August 29, 1942, son of the late Joseph F. and Emily R. (Puza) Sliva. Fred has lived in Belchertown for about 30 years, previously of Agawam. He was self-employed as owner of Laurence Associates for ten years prior to his retirement in 2010. In the past, he worked for many different companies and made numerous connections and friendships while employed at Bosch in Springfield. Fred was passionate about sailing on his boat, “Summers Off” and looked forward to the annual Figawi Race. “Fredbear”, as he was lovingly called, will be greatly missed by his wife Debra J. Pierce along with her children Jessica Matosky and Jeremy Matosky and his wife, Catherine. He also leaves Debra’s grandchildren, Malcolm, Jacob, Isaiah, Caleb, and Maya along with his sister, dear niece Barbara Beasley, and her family as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Fred will long be remembered by his sailing partner and close friend Paul Tetreault and his wife Diana, dear friend Barry Toussaint and his wife Jackie, along with all of the “Goon Patrol”. His furry feline companions, Omar, Martin, and Lola will also miss his company. Family and friends may gather Saturday March 12th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home with a Celebration of his Life service to begin at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to the Baystate Mary Lane Oncology Dept, 85 South St., Ware, MA 01082. "