Frederick James Rose III

The Funeral Mass will be said at 2:30pm Saturday, February 28th at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Manhattan Beach, California.

Frederick James Rose III, age 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Redondo Beach, California, on January 22, 2026.

He was born on May 16, 1945, at Camp White near Medford, Oregon, to Frederick James Rose Jr. and Lydia Gale Thomas. The family moved to Manhattan Beach when Fred was six months old. He attended American Martyrs, Mira Costa High School and El Camino College. From an early age, Fred lived a calling of service, generosity, compassion, and belief in the supremacy of love over judgement that eventually led him back to the Catholic faith of his youth and service as a Deacon at American Martyrs Parish.

Fred was a member of the Student American Federation of Teachers, always a union man, and remained a committed Democrat all his life, in spite of falling head over heels in love with Suzie Alston. They met in Student Government and couldn’t stand each other because, for instance, she was a Conservative Republican with definite opinions about organized labor. Somehow all that sparring exposed a bedrock of shared values and turned into a strong foundation of friendship and respect. Neither changed their minds much on politics, but they proved to be BFFs and he loved her humbly and with all his might through 37 years of marriage and beyond.

Fred joined the United States Naval Reserve after graduating from high school and served seven years, including two years on Active Duty as a Radarman Striker aboard the USS Orleck for which he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. After returning home, Fred went to work for the United States Postal Service, where he served the public for thirty-some years. In the early 1980s, after 16 years in the wilderness, Fred and Suzie found their way back to the fold at American Martyrs where they became a vital part of the community. To Fred’s great surprise, he heard a call to the Diaconate. After a time of deep discernment and formation, he accepted permanent vocation and served for 25 years. Even after retirement he continued volunteering for ministry as long as possible, and was a familiar presence at the Welcome Center. Fred will be remembered for his gentle spirit, generous heart, and steadfast love for his family and friends. He was a source of wisdom, encouragement, and quiet strength to all who knew him.

Deacon Fred’s family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ariana & Matt Smith, Vanessa Reyes-Smith and to the American Martyrs team who took such good care of Fred over the last few years so he could remain in the neighborhood where he made his life.

He was preceded in death by his Sweetheart, Suzie, his parents, Frederick James Rose and Lydia Gale Thomas, and a host of in-laws and pals who loved him to pieces in life and must have been crowding the pearly gates waiting for hugs.

He is survived by his beloved cousin Rhonda, brother, Michael Rose, and sister-in-law, Debbie Rose; his nephews, Michael (Vallarie) Rose, Jason Rose, and Clinton (Dawn) Wolf; and his nieces, Brittany (Derrick) Moore and Cindy Wolf (Keven McKenney). He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and parishioners who were blessed by his presence.

Fred’s legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to live on in the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.