Frazier J. "Fritz" Tharpe, of Ayer

AYER: Frazier J. “Fritz” Tharpe, 64, of Ayer, died unexpectedly Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at his home. Frazier Jerome Tharpe, affectionately known to family and friends as “Fritz,” was born on December 11, 1960 in Neptune, New Jersey. He passed away on March 12. He was the son of Julius and Zenobia “Dot” Tharpe, their middle child—younger brother to Ronald “Ronnie” Tharpe and older brother to Julius “Tony” Tharpe. He was the last living member of his immediate family. Frazier enjoyed a 40-year career in insurance, working for various high-powered firms across New York City and northern New Jersey. At the time of his death, he had very recently retired from full-time work, and was contemplating part-time consulting or another path. Frazier leaves behind his son, Frazier “Chip” Tharpe, II who resides in Los Angeles, California, Chip’s partner Karizza and their dog Romey. He also leaves his ex-wife, Lisa Richardson, whom he remained close with in recent years despite their divorce; a day prior to his passing, he was finalizing plans to treat Lisa with a trip to California to visit their son. Frazier’s adult life took him to Brooklyn, New York and, some years after starting a family, to Montclair, New Jersey, before eventually ending up back in Massachusetts. Frazier was a proud BFA—Boy From Ayer—and upon returning to the town in 2020, quickly reintegrated himself into a community of close friends, reestablishing bonds that stretched back 50 years. When he was in good health, he regularly opened his house to the neighborhood for get-togethers, where he would show off two of his proudest passions: music, specifically his love for DJing (and the Jackson 5) and cooking, like the “rib-off” he planned to host. He also enjoyed movies and television (specifically classics from the ‘60s), golf, a great glass of red wine, and a good cigar. Frazier was a deeply devoted member of the Baptist church, serving as a deacon and one-time choir member during his time at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Brooklyn, and later at Imani Baptist Church in East Orange, NJ. He was loved by many, some who were family members others close enough to be family, and will be deeply missed. Funeral services will be held 10 AM Saturday March 22, 2025 at New Hope Community Church, 139 Sandy Pond Road, Ayer. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ayer. Fritz’s family will receive relatives and friends at calling hours from 4-7 PM Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road (Rte 2A) Ayer.

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Frazier J. "Fritz" Tharpe, of Ayer

December 11, 1960 - March 12, 2025