Fred P. Massat, an 87-year-old former businessman, suburban public official and Midlothian resident, died Tuesday, June 27, of pneumonia at St. Francis Hospital in Blue Island. “He very much had a heart of gold,” said daughter-in-law Brenda Massat. “He always was trying to help people. I couldn’t have picked a better grandfather for my children.” Born in Germany, Mr. Massat moved to Cicero at 16 in search of a better life, Brenda Massat said. He was the former president of Massat Fuel & Materials Co. in Crestwood. “He’d haul anything for anyone,” Brenda Massat said. When he started the firm in 1956, Mr. Massat shipped coal and other fuels. Within a few years, the company focused on transporting items such as sand and gravel. The firm has since become part of D.J. Massat Inc., Brenda Massat’s business. Mr. Massat was a road commissioner for Crestwood for four years. From 1960 to 1976, he was a Midlothian trustee. He then served as road commissioner of Bremen Township until his retirement in 1996. He also was a member of the Cook County Mosquito Abatement Board from 1990 to 1996. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Florence; four sons, Fred, Stan, Bob and Dave; 14 grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Services will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday at Hickey Memorial Chapel, 4201 W. 147th St., Midlothian, and continue at 10 a.m. at St. Christopher Church, 14641 Keeler Ave., Midlothian.
