Fred, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully in his home, on May 4, 2025, in Burlingame, California. Fred is survived by his sons: John (Susan) Yeager, Paul (Erin) Yeager, Jim (Liz) Yeager and, his daughter, Penelope (Tuko “T”) Taumoepeau, his grandchildren: Joshua, Josiah, Isaiah, Abe, Drew, Ben, Lucy, Katey and Joy and his sister Suzanne Yeager (Jim Pedersen). Fred was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Melanie Yeager (2025) and by his beloved grandson, Elisha Yeager (2021).
Fred was born June 22, 1941 in Davenport, Iowa to John and Roselynn Yeager. His family then moved to Indiana where he and his younger sister Suzi relished their shared chore of canning fruit from the garden. In 1952 the family moved to Southern California. As a teenager, Fred nurtured his love for competition and made lifelong friendships on the cross country and track teams at Arcadia High School. He joyfully sang in his church choir and was a proud Eagle Scout. In 1963 Fred graduated from the United States Naval Academy. Upon graduation, Fred began his military service as an army officer in Germany, followed by a yearlong tour in Vietnam.
When he completed his military commitment in 1969, Fred embarked on a career in finance. His journey as an advisor began with Reynolds Securities, and led him across the country to Burlingame, California. After 37 years with the same company (now Morgan Stanley) Fred made a leap and moved his business to UBS in 2006. During this time, Fred made a significant pivot from working solo; inviting his sons John and Jim to partner with him until his retirement in 2019. Throughout his successful 50 year career, he found satisfaction in honing his skills as an investor and took great pride in working alongside his sons in service to his clients.
Fred believed in good citizenship. He was an active member of Kiwanis and the Foster City Rotary and was a multi-gallon donor at the Peninsula Blood Bank. He was also endlessly curious with hobbies to match, playing dominos, collecting shells, snorkeling coral reefs, and making homemade jam. Affectionately nicknamed, Farmer Fred, he eagerly shared his green thumb with others, including countless harvests of apples, lemons, and tomato plants. Fred also had a passion for language. He delighted in exchanging greetings with friends and strangers alike; he never missed an opportunity to learn a new phrase or dialect that might later be used to lift someone’s spirit.
Without question, the greatest success of Fred’s life was his family, and his family began with Melanie. After a chance encounter at a Naval Academy dance, Fred requested and memorized her home address. He wrote her a letter that same week, sparking a friendship and a love that would flourish for more than 60 years. Melanie’s gentle charm was the perfect balance to Fred’s bold confidence. Fred experienced the joy of fatherhood with the arrival of his son John and his love for his family continued to deepen and grow with the arrivals of Paul, Jim and Penelope. Fred delighted in his children and prioritized being present, he was faithful in attending athletic events and recitals and he never missed a family dinner, or nightly prayer. His joy doubled when he became “Papa”, sharing fishing trips, zoo visits, story times and hugs with his 10 cherished grandchildren.
Fred will be remembered with love for his commitment to his family, his generous heart and his abiding faith. He found strength in an everlasting hope, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church 1310 Bayswater Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church or Samaritan House of San Mateo County.
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