'The consummate, real son of New Bedford': Former Mayor Fred Kalisz dies of COVID at 63

NEW BEDFORD — The city's flags flew at half-staff Wednesday to mourn the death of former Mayor Frederick M. Kalisz Jr., who died from COVID-19 complications Wednesday morning. He was 63. 

Kalisz served as mayor from 1998 to 2006. During his tenure, he helped establish the New Bedford Economic Development Council, saw the construction of three middle schools and the renovation of the Buttonwood Park Zoo, and created a permanent home for SeaLab.

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Before his term, he was city councilor for Ward 2 and worked for Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program in toxics reduction. After leaving office, he led the Parents Alliance for Catholic Education, earned degrees in law and public policy, guest lectured at local universities, volunteered at the city's Polish church and took on the role of register of deeds for Bristol County's southern district in 2017. 

His brother, Michael Kalisz, shared the news in a Facebook post that brought hundreds of comments in just a few hours, many of which recalled personal memories with the former mayor. 

"Fred was just such a remarkable man, a remarkable brother, a caring son, a loving husband and father," said Michael Kalisz, 57. "He was always there whatever the need and tried to do whatever he could for whoever it was... It feels so unfair he was taken away before we could enjoy more time together."

He said his brother had mild symptoms from the virus for a few days before he was hospitalized on Saturday with low oxygen levels. He said his brother appeared to be on the mend on Monday and Tuesday, but that things turned very quickly and he soon went into cardiac arrest. 

Michael Kalisz, who was the youngest sibling, said his older brother always included him and their sister, Christine. As kids, he and Fred shared a bedroom and he recalled his brother talking about wanting to become mayor one day; not to be a politician or speech giver, but to help his community and solve problems, he said. 

"I'm so proud he accomplished that," he said. 

George Leontire, a childhood friend and professional colleague when he served as city solicitor during Kalisz's mayoral tenure, said it was a sad day for a lot of people.

"Fred was the consummate, real son of New Bedford," Leontire, 66, said. "He was an extraordinarily kind man who always remembered his roots. And to use a well-worn phrase, he cared a great deal for the common man of New Bedford."

Kalisz is survived by his wife, Pat, and his son, Ricky.

"I used to speak to Fred twice a week. He started out every single conversation talking about Ricky's latest achievement. I don’t think there could have been a prouder father," Leontire said. "Pat was his soulmate. They never did anything without each other. They did one hell of a job raising Ricky."

Mark Treadup, who preceded Kalisz as register of deeds, said the former mayor impressed everyone with his vigor and energy. 

"He always wanted to serve others, and he did as a city councilor, as mayor and as register of deeds," Treadup said. "He was there, he put in the time."

"When I think about Fred, the word that always comes to mind is genuine. He was a kind and a genuine person," said Bernadette Coelho, the headmaster at New Bedford High School who served as Kalisz's spokesperson during his time as mayor.

Coelho recalled him dropping anything at any time to help someone in need, including heading out in a storm in the middle of the night to drive nurses and first responders to work. She said he'd also call her sometimes to reminisce about their time in office.

"What always struck me is how he referenced those days. He never said 'I,' he always referenced those days by saying, 'Hey, remember when we were in office when we did this.' He never talked about himself in that way," she said. 

Kathleen Waldron, a parishioner at the Polish church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, said Kalisz was very active in the church and served on its council for many years, helping with events and other day-to-day business. 

"He helped with the picnic every year, working tirelessly to plan it. Both days, I think he was in the kitchen or on the grills," Waldron said. "He was always willing to talk with you and always willing to listen and help out. A really hard worker, a good man. It's a great loss to the community."

Mayor Jon Mitchell issued a statement Wednesday detailing Kalisz's past work and impact as a mayor. 

"Mayor Kalisz’s tenure was marked by an unwavering devotion to the City and its residents," Mitchell said. "He worked tirelessly to improve every city neighborhood, and strove over his four terms to activate the city’s potential... I will miss Fred’s encouragement and support over the years, and I will miss our friendship."

Michael Kalisz said the funeral will remain private for family. However, when gathering is safe again, he said the family plans to have a celebration of his life for the public to attend. 

"I love him. I will miss him dearly. Our family will miss him dearly," he said. "I'm so proud of his accomplishments and the mark he made on this city."