Fred Phillip Valles

Beloved husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather; Fred Phillip Valles died on October 5, 2022. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family, following a diagnosis in 2021of Pulmonary Lung disease.

Fred was born in San Jose, California on April 21,1947. Raised lovingly by his father Tom and his mother Dora, his childhood included many happy memories of growing up in rural Santa Clara Valley in the1950’s. He developed his love of gardening, animals, and the outdoors while living on several acres on Cunningham Ave, across the street from his Uncle Manuel’s 14 acre family farm. After school Fred was typically found with his cousins playing baseball, doing chores and odd jobs. Because they lived near Reid Hillview Airport, he and his cousins would work for Mr. Reid, earning 50 cents for every hanger that they swept clean. He spent his middle school years and some of high school in Morgan Hill and the family moved back to San Jose where he finished high school at Blackford High School .

Fred was drafted into the Army in December 1968 during the Vietnam War. Thankfully and luckily for Fred he spent his two years of active duty at Fort Baker in Marin County as part of the 6th Army where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged.

Fred joined Pacific Telephone company after leaving the military and continued his 42+ year career in the Telecommunications industry. He began as a motorized messenger at the Accounting Center, where he met his future wife Kathy, who he began dating in 1976. His career in Telecommunications included both residential and commercial installation of phone equipment and systems. He retired from AT&T managing service technicians. Throughout his career he received multiple commendations from customers and coworkers for his strong work ethic including his positivity and willingness to help solve problems.

Fred and Kathy Brewer were married on February 17,1979 at Lake Tahoe. They bought their home on California Avenue in Willow Glen in 1982, where the family continues to reside. In 1989 they were blessed with the arrival of their son Nicholas and in 1990 with their daughter Marissa. Fred was an active participant in the River Glen Elementary school community and may be best remembered for his contributions to the River Glen annual flea market and being the grill master at Walk-a -thon fundraisers, and at Cross Country training camps at Bass Lake. Being a father was one of Fred’s proudest accomplishments and he loved being an active participant in the lives of his children; as a soccer coach, a chaperone, a date to father daughter dances, or a chauffeur to their many activities, whatever was needed, he was a Dad that was always present and supportive.

When he wasn’t working, Fred enjoyed many outdoor activities including; fishing, skiing, and camping. He loved sharing his adventures with friends and family. Fred was a San Francisco Giants fan and attended many of their home games. On his 65th birthday he decided to celebrate that milestone by skydiving on the Monterey Peninsula. Traveling with Kathy and the kids when they were growing up, as well as travel with friends and relatives once he retired, brought Fred great joy.

In 2011, Fred became a grandfather with the birth of Marissa & Ivan’s daughter, Isabella. Fred and Bella spent many hours together; gardening, exploring, planting in the yard or walking down Lincoln Avenue for frozen yogurt. From silly noises to bird whistles and the complexity of pronouncing “Grandpa”, Fred became “WaWa”, one of his most favorite titles. In 2016, Marissa and Ivan added to their family with Fred’s second granddaughter, Julia. Fred continued to share his passions for planting, animals, and harvesting garden vegetables with both girls. Fred introduced Julia to Mickey Mouse and loved sharing old black and white cartoons and shows from his childhood with both girls.

Fred will be missed by all for his kindness, willingness to help, energy, friendship, positivity and welcoming smile. Memorial donations in his memory can be made to Sacred Heart Community Center, Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.