Arlington lost one of its most recognizable faces on Saturday with the passing of Frederick J. Sennott Jr.

Fred was active with the Menotomy Minutemen, the group of re-enactors who bring the American Revolution to life.

While editor of The Arlington Advocate for seven years, I had the honor of interviewing Fred numerous times for articles about Patriots Day and the Menotomy Minutemen. For years, Fred played "Jason Russell" for the annual re-enactment at the historic Jason Russell House, which still stands at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Jason Street.

Jason Russell, as any Arlington schoolchild will tell you, was killed at his farmhouse by the Red Coats on the first day of the American Revolution.

For my interviews with Fred, we would talk about the annual event and I would usually ask him if "Jason Russell" was going to shock everyone and end the re-enactment differently that year.

"Will Jason Russell survive this year? Will he get his revenge?" I would ask, trying to get a laugh.

Fred would smile sheepishly and say, "No. Not this year."

For those of you who don't know the name Fred Sennott, I can almost guarantee you that you have seen him – whether on Patriots Day, at Town Meeting, at a local school, or walking on Massachusetts Avenue. His shock of white hair and determined face were easily recognizable.

Fred seemed genuinely happy that people recognized him as Jason Russell and that he played a part in teaching townspeople about the town's role in the American Revolution.

While editor of The Arlington Advocate, I loved researching and writing about Arlington history. In fact, it was my favorite part of the job. For me, as an amateur historian, Fred was a comrade in arms. His loss will surely be felt in the Arlington historical community – just as the passing of Pat FitzMaurice saddened those who love the Old Schwamb Mill.

Just like the man he honored on Patriots Day weekend, I hope Arlington never forgets Fred Sennott. He was a man who loved his town and who taught all of us about a man from Menotomy named Jason Russell.