Frederick George Thumm

With sadness we announce the passing of Frederick George Thumm on the morning of August 4, 2026, at his home on Hilton Head Island, SC.

Fred was born July 9, 1945, in Norwich, CT, to Rudolf and Madelyn Thumm. He grew up in Warwick, RI, with one sister, Barbara (Bonnie), spending summers with his family at their beach house in Misquamicut, RI. After graduating from Bishop Hendricken High School, Fred attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering.

Fred met his wife Christine (Kavaliauskas) in Worcester. They were married on September 7, 1968. Together they had two children, son Brian and daughter Karen. The family lived in Colchester, CT, for 12 years before moving to Salem, CT, and Fred worked for municipalities as a Public Works Director for 40 years.

Fred and Chris retired to Hilton Head Island, SC, where Fred enjoyed golfing and riding his bicycle on the sandy beaches. They lived in Hilton Head Plantation for 14 years and also traveled the world, embarking on transatlantic cruises to see the sights of Europe and exploring destinations such as Alaska and Cuba.

They also traveled to visit their children and their families. His son Brian lives outside of Charlotte, NC, with his wife Cheryl and their daughter, Victoria. His daughter Karen lives in Los Angeles, CA, with her husband Jack and their child, Zoe.

His devotion to his family, his generosity, his intelligence, and his unfailing sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Fred was life-long fan of rock ‘n’ roll and folk music and his family will remember him listening to the Grateful Dead, filling the air with songs.

A funeral service will be held on August 29, 2026 at 10:00 am at Island Funeral Home, 4 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head Island, SC.

The family asks that, if you wish, please consider memorial donations to The Deep Well Project, PO Box 5543, Hilton Head Island 29938, www.deepwellproject.org.