Gerald Frederick Foye

October 9, 1931 — May 4, 2026

Gerald Frederick Foye was born in Put-In-Bay, Ohio on October 9, 1931.

His mother was born in Skopje, Macedonia, now known as the Republic of North Macedonia. Gerald’s father was of German descent, and was born in Belding, Michigan.

As a young man, Gerald learned to play the piano, and entertained visitors to the local saloon on the small island in which he lived. Later, he and his parents moved to Detroit, Michigan.

In 1955, while stationed in the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, he met the woman he was going to marry for life, Julieta Goss. They married in 1957, and relocated to Detroit, Michigan, his home town at that time. He worked as a certified Tool & Die Maker (machinist) in various shops and automotive factories.

A few years later, his son Darwin and daughter Nita were born.

In the summer of 1966 — desiring a warmer climate — Gerald moved his family to Phoenix, Arizona. After 6 months, a lucrative job offer came about in San Diego, California, and the family moved once again — this time a permanent destination.

Throughout his life he had a variety of hobbies and aspirations.

In his twenties, interests included go-kart and stock car racing where he would participate in speedway races for semi-pros and hobbyists.

Continually interested in music, Gerald sang baritone in a barbershop quartet.

Gerald enjoyed taking his family on adventurous camping trips to national parks such as Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yellowstone. He also enjoyed camping in the California deserts such as Anza-Borrego, Joshua Tree and Salton Sea.

He was an avid treasure hunter, researching old lore of abandoned gold & silver mines. He was also a member of a metal-detecting club where they would visit historical landmarks and ghost towns in the hopes of discovering buried nuggets and old coins.

Gerald was a freelance writer and photographer with published magazine articles on various subjects, including treasure hunting. Processing a keen sense of humor, he also dabbled as a cartoonist with a handful of published pieces.

He was a tinkerer, frequently experimenting with and modifying electronic devices and gadgets — improving their functionality.

In the 1970s, working for a government defense contractor, Gerald machined parts that were used on the Apollo spacecraft missions.

In the 1980s he started experimenting with Rife technology which originated in the 1920s. This therapy utilizes low-energy electromagnetic waves to target specific diseased cells and pathogens. In 2002, Gerald wrote and self-published a book on the life of Raymond Royal Rife, the inventor of the Rife technology.

Later in life, he became a full-time piano tuner, with clients such as entertainer Lawrence Welk. Gerald also rebuilt pianos from the ground up, replacing worn out strings, keys, and applying exotic wood veneer, restoring them back to new.

For those who knew him, Gerald was a very kind, humble and generous man. He was always willing to help somebody in the time of need, no matter what the cost or burden.

Gerald lived to be 94 years old, and led a full and adventurous life. He is survived by his two children Darwin and Nita, and his son-in-law James Penner. His wife of 68 years —Julieta, passed away June 2, 2025 at the age of 96.

He will be deeply missed, and in our hearts forever…