Frederick Vincent Kerstad Jr.

Frederick Vincent Kerstad, Jr., of Vallejo, California, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025, at the age of 79 with his wife Dayle by his side. Born in San Francisco to Rose M. Lucia Kerstad and Fred V. Kerstad, Fred spent his entire life in Vallejo, proudly embracing his Calabrese Italian heritage. Fred attended St. Vincent's Elementary and High School, graduating as Class President in 1963 while excelling in football and track. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Moraga in 1967, playing rugby and building lifelong friendships with fellow Gaels-many lasting over 60 years-and with classmates from St. Vincent's that endured for nearly 75 years. He later received his Master's in Business from JFK University. Fred began his career working at, then managing, the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Shop for his uncle Nelson Bettencourt in Vallejo and Napa. In 1967, he met Dayle Morris, and after four years of dating, they married on June 27, 1971, at St. Basil's Church. Soon after, they built a vacation home on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Fred taught history at St. Vincents for 2 years and later Fred, Dayle, and partner Rob Smith opened the Commandant's Residence restaurant in Benicia, which they operated from 1976 to 1986, becoming a popular destination in the Bay Area. He later became a real estate developer with Westin Industrial Group in Benicia, working on large-scale developments across the country before retiring over 20 years ago. From 1987 to 1991, he served on the Vallejo Planning Commission, including time as chairman. In 1990, Fred and Dayle adopted their daughter, Alicia Rose, followed by their son, Fred III, in 1992. Deeply devoted to his children's education and activities, Fred served on the St. Basil's School Board and coached his kids in various sports. In 2013, he was honored with induction into the St. Patrick–St. Vincent Hall of Fame. Fred's life was rich with traditions and passions-family road trips, time at Lake Tahoe, Friday lunches with "The Friday Boys" at Mustards Grill in Napa for over 40 years, and annual Lake Shasta trips. A lifelong 49ers and Giants fan, he cherished meeting Joe Montana at Mustards. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing with his friends and son Freddie, and loved golfing with Dayle, maintaining a long-standing membership at Blue Rock Springs Golf Club. Faith was central to Fred's life. An active member of St. Basil's Church, he served as a Eucharistic Minister and member of St. Vincent de Paul. With the help of Father Leon, he founded the first Knights of Columbus chapter 13271 at St. Basil's, serving as its first Grand Knight, later achieving 4th Degree Knight status, and serving as District Deputy for the state of California. Through the Knights, he helped initiate the Annual Parish Picnic, "Keep Christ in Christmas," and St. Patrick's Day dinners, and helped lead parish and school renovation projects. In later years, Fred's greatest joy was his grandson, Nico. Over the past 2½ years while he was ill, Nico brought him constant happiness and comfort. Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Dayle; his daughter, Alicia Rose; son-in-law, Itielu "Iti" Taula; cherished grandson, Nicolas; his son, Freddie V. Kerstad III; and numerous cousins and cherished friends. Fred will be remembered for his deep faith, devotion to family, generosity of spirit, and enduring commitment to his community. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St Basil's Building Fund at St. Basil's the Great Catholic Church at 1200 Tuolumne Street, Vallejo, CA 94590.