Frederick W. Ley

Frederick W. "Fred" Ley, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, at the age of 94.
Born in Stamford, Connecticut, to loving parents Frederick and Sylvia Ley, Fred grew up with a lifelong love of sports and a devotion to family that would define his life.

In his youth, Fred was an avid New York Yankees fan and a gifted athlete. His basketball talent earned him a scholarship to La Salle University, where he excelled both on and off the court. He capped his college basketball career by playing in the 1950 NIT Tournament at Madison Square Garden—an experience he remembered fondly throughout his life.

Following college, Fred proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as part of the Counter Intelligence Corps, stationed in Hawaii. It was there, on a beach in Waikiki, that he met the love of his life, Carol Krase. The two began a partnership that would last over 70 years, marked by deep love, mutual respect, and countless shared adventures.

After moving to the San Francisco Bay Area, Fred began a long and distinguished career in finance. Known for his integrity, dedication, and tireless work ethic, he rose to become Senior Vice President and a trusted financial advisor. He began each day with a 4:05 a.m. alarm and was often the first to arrive and the last to leave the office. Working alongside his son Greg for more than three decades, Fred built lasting relationships with clients and colleagues who admired his loyalty, generosity, and professionalism. He retired from Merrill Lynch at the remarkable age of 90, concluding a 50-year career marked by excellence and respect.

Fred was also an avid golfer and active member of Green Hills Country Club since 1966. There, he cultivated enduring friendships, often spending Saturday mornings on the course with his close group of friends and Sunday rounds with Carol by his side.

Fred's greatest joy, however, was his family. He was a devoted husband to Carol; a loving father to Terri Holmes (Joe) and Gregory Ley (Lora); and a proud grandfather to Alexandra, Frederick "Rick," Ashley, and Bradley Ley, and Gregory and Rodney Holmes. He was also blessed to be a great-grandfather to Hunter, Heather, Bodhi, and Bennett. Fred's loyal companion, his dog Dixie, brought him great happiness in his later years.

Fred will be remembered for his warmth, integrity, and kindness. His love for family, friends, and life itself will remain an inspiration to all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion, perseverance, and generosity that will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

He will be deeply missed.

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