Frederick Eugene Blovat

DOB: August 17, 1936

Little Falls, NY

Fred's Father:

Chester (NMI) Blovat

Fred's Mother:

Bernice M. (Bronson) Blovat

The Blovat’s had four children:

Fred's brother, Harold (Pooch) Blovat, married to his late wife, Eileen, lives in Ilion, New York.

Then they had Frederick (Fred) Eugene Blovat, who was married to his late wife, Junko, for 60 years.

Fred was then married to Betty Merrylees for 4 years, whom he was with at the time of his death;

Fred had a sister - Jeanne (Blovat) Sutkowski (deceased in November 1999), who lived in New York state;

And, Fred has a younger brother, David Lawrence Blovat, married to Evelyn Blovat, who resides in Syracuse, New York.

Fred joined the United States Air Force on November 4, 1955.

Later, while stationed in Japan, he met Junko, whom he married on October 21, 1958.

Fred and Junko had four children:

David, Fred Jr., Paul, and Gina.

Fred was very modest about what he did while serving in the military. We know he had the same security clearance as the President of the United States. He analyzed the ground topography, sent via Sattelite, to identify enemy targets to bomb during the Vietnam War. There is a book written about what he did, with pictures of him, called Asia from Above, authored by Colonel Roy M. Stanley II, USAF (RET.), which tells the story of the 67th Reconnissance Technical Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 1957 to March 1971.

Fred served in Japan, Hawaii, Vietnam, Philippines, Korea, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, and he

was Honorably Discharged on March 1, 1976, as a Master Sergent, from March AFB, Moreno Valley, where he lived ever since.

Following Fred's retirement, he owned multiple businesses, employing his sons and others, while concurrently working at a car dealership in Banning, CA.

Fred also owned and operated a Bar/Restaurant, called The Sunnymead Inn, with the assistance of his wife, Junko, who concurrently worked for the Moreno Valley School District.

Fred often talked about his love for the Veterans of Foreign War, the VFW, Post 8574, which he managed for 15 years. He was proud of his VFW achievements.

Fred, along with Phyllis McCullough (95), Dave Van Leeuwen (93), Joe Simon (91), and Fred (87), we're the oldest active VFW members who regularly come into the VFW Post to enjoy their favorite beverage and visit friends.

Fred was a dedicated, driven, and devoted perfectionist in everything he ever attempted.

Fred was also a financial wizard, a frugal person who shopped for bargains at multiple stores. While frugal, he was also the most generous man you'd ever know.

Fred's wife, Junko, passed away on September 15, 2017, after a lengthy 5 year illness. Fred stood by her, never leaving her side.

Then, one day in August 2018, Fred walked into the American Legion Post 574 in Moreno Valley. Betty Merrylees said she saw him sitting all alone at the end of the bar, so she introduced herself and asked him if he would like to join the group of friends she was sitting with. He thanked her but said, "Thank you, maybe another time," and left.

Betty said a few weeks later, sometime in September 2018, Fred was again at the American Legion, sitting by himself and looking very lonely, so she approached him to invite him to sit with her group of friends. She said she apologized to him as she could not remember his name! He graciously declined, and a few minutes later, he left.

A few weeks later, Betty said she was standing at the end of the bar at the American Legion talking to some friends when Fred walked in, approached her, and said, "Hi, Betty." She apologized and had to admit she forgot his name, again!! At which point he pointed his finger at her and said, "Betty... Freddy" - and then pointed his finger to himself and said,"Freddy...Betty - now don't forget it, would you please join me for a drink?"

Betty's friends will tell you that Fred relentlessly pursued her, proposing 3 times, for which she would tell him she could only tell him she wouldn't run away too soon.

Betty had been previously married and had been divorced for 30+ years, in comparison to Fred's 60-year marriage to Junko.

Then, in November 2019, while atThanksgiving dinner at the home of Ralph and Linda Salazar, Fred proposed to Betty for a 4th time!! Then Betty turned to Fred and said, "Are you on that kick again?" At which time Linda smacked Betty on the arm and yelled at her to turn around, look at Fred, and take him serious. When Betty looked at Fred, he had tears in his eyes, and she said, "Wow, you really are serious!" He asked again, "Well, will you please marry me?" Betty said, "Yes, yes, yes!!"

Betty and Fred were then married on February 15, 2020, and enjoyed their precious time together from August 2018 until his death on July 22, 2024.

Fred and Betty were inseparable and were seen together everywhere - attending many parties. Some of their most precious memories were of dressing up in costumes for Halloween, which are shown in the montage my cousin, Sarah Blovat, compiled.

Fred and Betty's friend, Diana Torrez, who rents a room in their home, wanted to say this: "Fred, I know I was just a 'roomie', but you always made me feel like family. You were a wonderful human being. You took me in, bought a big screen TV, and a new mattress for my room - which made me feel so at home. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I always appreciated the times we would just sit and talk. I loved your stories. If you didn't know how much I cared about you, I want you to know I thought of you like a father. I hoped I showed that to you.

I can never repay your generosity and kindness. The family I lived with, Betty, Gretchen, and Joel, are all exceptional people. I love you all.

Fred, I know you've earned a special place in Heaven. You are a wonderful man. Rest in peace. It is not goodbye, it's until we meet again.

My Uncle David said, "Today I lost the best person to walk this planet. He was the kindest, smartest, hardest working person who would give you the shirt off his back. I can't say enough positive things about him. And he was also my best friend. I love and miss you dad".

And Fred's stepson, Joel Merrylees said, "My stepdad, Fred Blovat, who was married to my mom, Betty Merrylees, passed away Monday morning while surrounded by family and friends after battling several issues for several months that were attacking his body all at once. He was a character, super sharp and full of wit and wisdom. He lived an extremely full life that I am to this day still learning about.

In retirement he enjoyed many trips to Laughlin with my mom, hanging around the pool, tending to his fruit trees, relaxing in his recliner watching sports (especially the Lakers and his beloved Dodgers) while slow sipping on whatever his favorite beverage was at the moment, and cooking. That man loved to cook.

I personally am very grateful for the time I spent with him. He was a mentor and a friend whom I will be dearly missed. My favorite memory was when he walked over to me with that famous twinkle in his eyes and asked if I would give him permission to marry my mom. So at his age of 83, I asked him if he had a job?. 😂 He was a beacon to so many people and a well-known long time resident of Moreno Valley.

I am very thankful for those who already knew of his passing who have reached out, came over, and shared memories of him. His circle of friends also became my friends which was a blessing, as he surrounded himself with some really genuine souls.

The house seems very hollow right now as he had a presence about him, hearing him yelling out “ HEY G “ to my fiancé Gretchen. They had a very special bond, and they loved each other deeply. She and my mom doted on his every whim for several months. And honestly, his loss still has not sunk in.

My mom misses him terribly, but they had so much fun together. It hurts me to see her hurting, but we also laugh at the memories they had as well.

He faced these last several months head on, stoic and calm, as he was at peace with what he had accomplished in his life. I hope that when my day comes, I can be just as at peace as he was at the end.

Miss ya Fred, I have nothing but love for you.

Rest In Peace ❤️"

Gretchen "G" Nelson, Fred's friend, and future daughter-in-law, shared these thoughts.

"Fred, you held a very special place in my heart and always will. We had a special bond, and I considered you a father to me. Thank you for everything you did for me and always being by my side through my good and bad times.

I will never forget telling you, "You're on restriction from grocery shopping!" You couldn't just buy a couple of cans of goods - you had to buy a whole case. I remember telling you that there was no more space on our pantry.

However, I loved you for always providing for us in every aspect. It was my pleasure taking care of you in the end. May you rest in peace. Love you, forever in my heart, your "G."

I, Jaymee Gonnello, say it is with the heaviest heart, I love you, and I miss you, Grandpa. Thank you "G", Uncle David, Cousin Sarah, the nurses, and Betty. Though you left this earth on the 22nd at 12:19 AM, your impact on my life will last forever. You may have left earth, but your spirit, wits, humor, love, and kindness will never be forgotten. You are the person I strive to be. Your kindness to everyone, your helpfulness to anyone who needed it, and unconditional love makes me want to be the best for you, myself, and the world. I will always cherish the time we spent together. I am your sweetheart, and you are my grandpa. I had the pleasure and honor of being your granddaughter. I know that you, grandma, and Buddy are up there in no pain enjoying butterscotch pudding, fruit in your jello, and Julien apple pie. I hope you walk with no pain down the isles of Winco shopping the best deals and cooking up a storm for everyone up there. Give everyone my love and it isn’t goodbye, but see you soon. There is so much more I want to say, I will be there to see you at your resting place next to grandma.

Sincerely,

Kiddo, sweetheart, your Jaymee.

I love you forever, Grandpa, and thank you for being such an amazing man ❤️"

Betty said Fred loved seeing his grandchildren, especially Mia, who called him "Grandpa-Grandpa." He looked forward to his visits from family and friends.

It should be noted here that in early May 2024, before Joel and Gretchen's 8th year relationship, Fred and Betty asked Joel what his intentions were in proposing marriage to her. A stoic response, "Well, if I do, it won't be anything predictable."

Then two nights before Fred passed away, Joel proposed to "G" so that Fred would know his intentions. When "G" showed Fred him her engagement ring, he said, "ah shit" with a big grin on his face.

Betty said that Fred had such charisma, but he was so humble that he didn't realize the ripple effect he had on others... and while his physical presence will be sorely missed, he will be remembered for his sweet kindness, his warm smile, the twinkle in his eyes, his impeccabl way of dressing up, whether in a suit or a costume, eand his love for his wife, family, and friends.

In closing, Betty said she wants to especially thank Fred's son, David, and Gretchen, for staying and caring for Fred, with Betty, every day and night for the last few weeks. Their strength and unwavering support were unmeasurable.

Multiple friends stopped by to see Fred during the last week of his life. including Ricky Albertson, Patty Axelrod, and Phyllis McCullough, who sat by his bedside holding his hands. His granddaughters, Sarah Blovat and Jessica Williams and his great-granddaughter, Jayden Coria, also came to be with him.

Betty said, for one week, before Fred could no longer speak in the last few days, he would tell her, "In case I don't wake up tomorrow, remember that I love you."

In turn, Betty would always tell Fred, "I love you mein liebling" (German for my darling), or " love you mein liebchen," (German for "my sweetheart "). In the past, Fred would lovingly say, "Did you just call me lip shit? or did you just call me a dingaling" at which they would both laugh. Betty would then say "mein Liebe" (German for my love). All enduring and loving terms were again spoken to him over and over in English and German during his last days.

On Monday, July 22, 2024, when due to multiple medical issues, Fred took his last breath at 12:19 a.m. at his home in Moreno Valley with his wife, Betty, and his son, David by his side. Gretchen, and her fiancé, and Betty's oldest son, Joel, his granddaughter, Saraha Blovat, and great grandchildren, Jayden and Mia, then joined Fred by his side.

Later, Fred's son, Freddy Jr., and close friends, Patty Axelrod and Ralph Salazar, joined the family as Fred was taken away, covered with a United States flag.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Betty, his four children, David, Freddy Jr., Paul, and Gina, as well their families, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and his brothers Harold “Pooch”, David and his wife Evelyn.

Fred was 87 years old and would have turned 88 day after tomorrow on August 17th.

On behalf of Betty and Fred's family , thank you. Please join us for a military service at RNC at 1:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at the VFW, Moreno Valley, at 2:00 p.m.