Frederick S.

Tefft

Frederick S. Tefft of Hanover, NH and Thetford, VT left his body on September 24, 2026 at the age of 86. Fred and twin brother Sam were born in Chicago, Illinois to Sheldon and Elizabeth Tefft. Fred first fell in love with the Upper Valley as a boy in the early 1950s, when the family purchased a house on a hill in Rices Mills, VT. His father was a distinguished professor of Law at the University of Chicago for several decades. The family spent many summers in Vermont, as well as Camp Pemigewassett and teenage jobs such as dusting books at Baker Library in Hanover. A true gear and motorhead, from Whizzer motorbikes to tractors and the oldest of cars, Fred attended California Polytechnic. He returned to Vermont and earned a Master's degree in Agricultural Studies at UVM.

In the 1970s Fred began a career as an educator, first as a math teacher at Woodstock High School. In 1975 he joined the faculty at Thetford Academy to teach Industrial Arts and was given the great opportunity to update and rebuild the school shop. That he did, and taught for 27 years before retiring in 2002. He loved the TA community for the rest of his life and greatly appreciated visiting and working with former students and colleagues all around the Valley.

In 1977 he married the love of his life, Kathy, and they raised two sons in Hanover. Together they provided an incredible home, created magic, and always put their children and family first. Fred designed and constructed his dream garage and home workshop. When petitioned, he built skateboard ramps and a clubhouse with the neighborhood kids. Weathervanes, windmills, and birdhouses (some modeled after the Morrill Homestead in Strafford) and other projects continue to be used and admired. He sought to perform Odd Jobs for neighbors, helped sons with their paper routes almost every Saturday morning, and sincerely loved to cut brush more than the average person, rain or shine. In summer he could be convinced to enjoy a visit with family and George and Nancy Wright at Little Squam, to canoe and even relax on the dock, wearing welding glasses as shades and of course for Eye Safety. 

Fred's parents, and later his brother, retired to the area and he cared for them and Kathy until they passed. In his own retirement Fred could work outside as much as he wanted to and always loved a good car show or flea market. Antique cars, tools, related books, and an extensive NH and VT license plate collection (tractors too) were among his pursuits. He proudly supported two farms in Nebraska. Fred kept one foot in the past and shared wisdom, both personal and practical, to everybody who had the time to listen. He avoided computers and airplanes in favor of mowers, Hemmings Motor News, newspapers, J. Press boxers, pine tar soap, Klondike bars and all other forms of ice cream, with a scoop of malted milk, please. He was relentlessly frugal and funny. He also became the devoted and beloved Grandpa Fred and shared many wonderful visits with family and was always there for them.

Fred is survived by sons Andrew and Sheldon, daughter-in-law Ann, and grandchildren Iris and Abel. The family extends sincere thanks and gratitude to all family, friends and neighbors past and present. To Thetford Academy, the Hanover Community Nurse program, all staff at Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, Hanover first responders, Ledyard Bank, and Stebbins & Bradley. Please consider donating to a local school or help friends and neighbors. Memorial scholarship awards will be established at Thetford Academy, Hanover High School, and Watertown, MA High School.