John F. Friberg

John F. Friberg, 67, passed away December 5, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 5, 1956 in Springfield, MA to the late Robert and Lillian (Hazlett) Friberg, he grew up in Springfield and was a 1974 graduate of Tech High School. For the past 22 years, he had resided in Belchertown. John’s career spanned 38 years with the Springfield Fire Department. He had many years of specialized training, including courses at Texas A&M, which led to distinguished roles on the Rescue Squad and as a Lieutenant on the Arson and Bomb Squad. His dedication earned him the love and respect of his fellow firefighters, forming a tight-knit brotherhood that stood as a testament to his character. After retiring from the department, John took on the role of building manager for the Newman Catholic Center at UMass. He was a member of the former Indian Orchard Lodge of Masons and the Shriners Lodge of Springfield.

John and his family enjoyed summer weekends RV camping at Greenwood Hills Campground in Rhode Island where he served on the Board of Directors for 10 years.

John leaves his wife of 47 years, Elaine (DeRouin) Friberg; his sons, John Friberg, Jr. and his wife Kiersten of Belchertown and Jeffrey Friberg and his partner Jade of Worcester; his sister, Susan Boucher and her husband Joel of Hampden; and his grandchildren, Brianna, Eleanor, Ella, and John Friberg III. He also leaves his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Beth and Robert Vanzandt of Belchertown, Catherine Vander Vliet of Ohio, Richard and Jeanne DeRouin of Easthampton, and Richard Davey of Pennsylvania, along with several nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends. Besides his parents, he was sadly predeceased by his sister Sandra Davey on December 1, 2023.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, PO Box 947765, Atlanta GA 30394 or online at www.lovetotherescue.org. To offer online condolences to his family, please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

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