Frederick Oneal Teets

Frederick Oneal "Fred" Teets, 86, of West Palm Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family.

Fred was born on June 24, 1939, in Sunnyside, Maryland, to Chester and Willye Katherine Teets. He met the love of his life, Brenda Davis, at Southern Garrett County High School. When Fred asked Brenda if she wanted a ride home from band practice in his 1950 pickup truck-and she said yes-his life was forever changed. They were prom king and queen, married in 1959 at just 19 and 20 years old, and went on to build an extraordinary life together spanning over 70 years.

Fred was awarded the Senatorial Scholarship for the State of Maryland which allowed him to attend Johns Hopkins University where he graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering and began his first-and only-career at DuPont. He worked there for more than 35 years, first in Seaford, Delaware, and later in Wilmington, Delaware, before retiring early at the age of 59.

Nothing mattered more to Fred than his family. He was a devoted husband to Brenda, an exceptional father to Jeff and Amy, and a deeply loving grandfather. Gentle and compassionate, Fred never raised his voice and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He coached Jeff's Little League baseball team, built a two-story backyard playhouse from scratch complete with a fire pole and rope climb, and was home every night for dinner at 5:30. Evenings were often spent waterskiing or fishing with Jeff and Amy. As a family, they treasured trips to Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach, crabbing adventures, skiing at the Wisp, visits to the farm where Fred grew up, and countless family vacations.

After retiring, Fred and Brenda moved to Florida, where Fred devoted himself to his grandchildren-and to Amy's friends' children as well-who all affectionately called him "D-Daddy." D-Daddy was always his grandchildren's biggest supporter, and he never missed their birthday parties, sporting events, art shows, graduations, school awards ceremonies and every important moment in between. Grandson Max fondly remembers the time spent at "Camp Granddaddy" in Delaware, filled with bike rides, beach days, and park visits, and later continued those traditions in Florida with camping trips and outdoor adventures. Bo cherishes memories of playing pool at the Slade, camping at Peanut Island, and shooting hoops together. Bailey warmly recalls D-Daddy dressing up as Captain Hook in full costume for her Tinkerbell birthday party, and how patient he was while teaching her to drive and park-he even bought orange cones to help her practice parallel parking. Molly treasures countless memories with her D-Daddy, especially the summers spent in Delaware on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach and watching the Hagley fireworks. In fact, his grandkids say it is impossible to choose just one cherished memory, as he was there for almost all of theirs from childhood.

Fred was famous for his homemade peanut butter fudge at Christmas, eagerly anticipated by everyone each year. His strawberry daiquiris were legendary and a Thanksgiving and Christmas staple.

Giving back was very important to Fred. He volunteered countless hours for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Family Promise, which supports families experiencing homelessness. He also helped Brenda bake goodies for kids at Quantum House and fed the homeless on Monday nights at the First Presbyterian Church. He was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church.

Fred and Brenda loved to travel and were fortunate to explore the world together, visiting China, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand, Australia, Africa, and Canada, as well as seeing all 50 states in the U.S. They thoroughly enjoyed hiking and their favorite hikes were in the beautiful U.S. National Parks and Canadian Rockies. They were truly inseparable-you rarely saw one without the other. For years, they walked 5 to 8 miles a day along the Palm Beach Bike Trail, enjoying the familiar faces, dogs, and daily routine. Later, they loved lunches at Bradley's and sitting on the park bench at the Meyer Amphitheatre, watching children and dogs play. Fred especially looked forward to his nightly bowl of Moose Tracks ice cream.

Fred is survived by his wife of 66 years, Brenda; his brothers William (Phyllis) and Charles (Judy); his son Jeff Teets (Mary) of Boca Raton; his daughter Amy Triggs (Matt) of West Palm Beach; grandchildren Max (Samanthan), Molly (Alex), Bailey, and Bo; great-grandchild Xavier; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Fred will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life will be held at the United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches, 900 Brandywine Road, West Palm Beach, FL on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, Quantum House or Susan G. Komen.