Frederick Anthony Wassem

1939 - 2022

Frederick Anthony Wassem was born in Hawthorne, CA on September 28, 1939. He died in San Jose, CA on November 22, 2022. He was 83 years old. Fred grew up in Chula Vista, CA. He completed his BA in Mathematics at San Diego State University. At San Diego State he took many extra units in music. As Drum Major he wore the traditional tall white fur hat to lead the band onto the football field.Fred joined the US Air Force Strategic Air Command, as a navigator, supporting the US participation in the Cold War. Later, GE Nuclear in San Jose hired Fred where he worked for 28 years as a section manager in computer programming. His group focused on structural analysis for nuclear power plants. While at GE, he independently continued his education and got an Associate of Arts degree in Real Estate, and then a Real Estate Brokers license.Fred was curious and questioning. One of his favorite questions was 'I wonder where that road goes.' He read a wide variety of books (especially sci-fi). He delved into astronomy and could identify the constellations and meteor showers. His mind was always active.He loved classical music and had season tickets for two local symphony orchestras, 8.5 years ago, he re-started playing his French Horn and joined the Saratoga Community Band. Music filled his heart at home, in the garden, and while traveling or working.Fred was an active volunteer in several organizations. He energized other volunteers, helped train them, and kept them engaged. His recent focus was AARP Tax Aide (as District Coordinator) and (GE) Elfun Volunteers (serving on the Board for over 20 years).Fred loved the outdoors including camping in Yosemite (where he was attacked by a black bear), or walking along the shore in Pacific Grove and La Jolla. He loved to cook delicious meals, and is still famous for his homemade spaghetti sauce (made from his home-grown heirloom tomatoes) and his BBQed Thanksgiving turkeys.Fred had many interests, passions, and dreams. He believed in following his dreams, and helping others do likewise. He was proud of his Norwegian ancestry and loved to tell stories, and talk with his cousins about the family history, happenings, and 'legends'. He kept connected with his friends from elementary school through high school, college, the Air Force, his GE career and all his volunteering teams.Fred was predeceased by his parents Joe and Gladys, and daughter Kirsten. He is survived by his wife Gretchen, daughters Shelly, and Carol, son Paul, granddaughters Zoe and Emma, grandsons Scott, Tony, Zach, Adam, Jake, Jesse, and great grandson Leroy. He has always been very fond of and proud of his entire family.He loved to be with friends and family. Fred was always a 'can-do" man, a 'jack of all trades'. He 'brought good things to life' (might sound familiar to GE retirees). He will be missed by many, but will live on in our memories and hearts. A celebration of Fred's life is being planned for this Spring. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to consider a donation in Fred's name to Yosemite Conservancy or Nature Conservancy, OR to do something for someone else to make their life easier or more enjoyable.