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Denis William
Fermental
Jul 17, 1933 — Apr 25, 2026
Denis W. Fermental – A longtime resident of Medford, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 23, 2026. He was 92 years old.
Born in North Conway, Denis was the beloved son of the late William and Frances (O'Brien) Fermental.
Denis enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a professor at Tufts University, where he also served as Chairman of the Electrical Engineering Department. While working at Tufts, he worked at Draper Laboratory in Cambridge, contributing his expertise in engineering.
Outside of his professional life, Denis found great joy in the simple pleasures of home and nature. He took immense pride in caring for his yard, always ensuring his lawn and garden were neat and meticulously maintained. His deep appreciation for the outdoors led him to purchase a second home in Newbury, Vermont, where he cherished time spent surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Denis was also a talented painter. He could look at a photo and turn it into a beautiful painting. He was also an avid stamp collector, pursuits that reflected both his creativity and attention to detail.
Denis enjoyed traveling all around Europe, especially Paris. He felt the natural beauty of Paris always brought him peace.
Above all, Denis was a devoted and loving father and grandfather. He cherished his family deeply and took great pride in their accomplishments, always eager to share in their successes.
Beloved husband of the late Mary Ellen (Higgins) Fermental. Devoted father of Mary Margaret "Maggie" Fermental and Catherine Lanciault and her husband Mark. Cherished grandfather of James Melanson and his wife Gloria, Edward Melason, Daniel Melason and Anne Melanson. Loving great-grandfather of Eric Denis Melanson. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, May 13th in the George L. Doherty Funeral Home 855 Broadway (Powder House SQ.) Somerville from 8:30AM to 10:30AM. Followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High St., Medford at 11:00AM.
To watch services on live stream please visit: www.facebook.com/SaintRaphaelParishMedford
Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
To live stream the funeral mass please visit WWW.facebook.com/SaintRaphaelParishMedford
Wednesday
George L. Doherty Funeral Home
8:30 - 10:30 am
Wednesday
St. Raphael Church
Starts at 11:00 am
Wednesday
Oak Grove Cemetery
Starts at 12:15 pm
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