Frederick Thomas Rheam

Fritz was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, survived by his loving wife, Shirley, with whom he shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. He is also survived by his children, Stacey (Dana) Delveau and Debbie (Karen) Hawthorne, Chuck (Christy) Rheam and Gene (Lisa) Rheam; and his beloved grandchildren: Danny Reamer, Jeffrey (Adrienne) Delveau, Caleb (Nina) Rheam, Matthew (Brandi) Delveau, Lauren Rheam, Rebecca Delveau, Liandra Rheam, Lynsie Rheam, Brittany (John) Thorpe, Cailey Rheam, Steven Delveau, Hannah (Joshua) Hinz, Elizabeth Delveau, Chrissy Delveau, and Noemi Delveau. Additionally, he leaves behind a legacy of great-grandchildren: Benvolio Rheam, Aaliyah Palacio, Asher, Alyrah, Adley, Naomi, Charlie, Shiloh & Braxton Delveau, John and Dexter Thorpe, Eloise Hinz, and one more on the way.

Fritz proudly served in the U.S. Navy from September 1958 until December 1981 and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. His service included notable positions as a helicopter electrician and as part of various esteemed squadrons stationed beginning in Palma, Mallorca, Fighter Squadron 62, and finishing at the Naval Air Station in Imperial Beach, California, as part of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6. He served aboard aircraft carriers, including the USS Ranger (CV-61), USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), and USS Constellation (CV-64), earning numerous decorations and commendations throughout his distinguished career, including Presidential unit citation medal, Navy unit commendation medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Korea, Navy Commendation Medal Cont 18, Commavairpac Battle Efficiency and Excellence Award, Commavairpac Nine Letter of Commendation and many more.

Fritz will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to God, family, and country. He passionately supported his children’s and grandchildren’s sports, even managing a Little League team for many years. His commitment extended to his community, where he volunteered actively at Midway Baptist Church, CenterPointe Church and local schools.

A man of gentle strength and humility, Fritz loved unconditionally and deeply, giving tirelessly to those around him. Even in the face of dementia, he maintained his daily practice of reading the Bible and praying at the kitchen table each morning. He is well-known for his Popeye tattoo, which embodied his light-hearted spirit, strength, and resilience.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, March 6, at 4 PM at CenterPointe Church in Chula Vista, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, a charity that Fritz regularly supported after his granddaughter received treatment there.