George "Fred" Fletcher

George “Fred” Fletcher, 98, of Milpitas, California, passed away on February 21, 2026, peacefully and surrounded by his wife and close family. In his final moments, his wife sat beside him, gently rubbing his arm and reassuring him that she would be cared for, giving him the comfort he needed to let go peacefully.

Fred was born on January 3, 1928, in Muncie, Indiana, the son of George T. Fletcher and Edna Leyendecker Fletcher Cook.

He married Helen “Ricki” Yoshioka Fletcher on April 9, 1960, at the Hamilton Air Force Base NCO Club in California, the beginning of a long, steady partnership that carried them through the decades.

He served his country for 21 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant. His final assignment at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas was one he valued, serving as an Instructor and Supervisor at the Dental Lab School within the School of Healthcare Sciences. Teaching and guiding young airmen became one of the most meaningful roles of his military career.

During his service, Fred continued his education, earning a bachelor’s degree in occupational education and business management from Wayland Baptist University between 1973 and 1975. He also spoke German, reflecting his curiosity and ability to connect across cultures.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1975, Fred began a second career marked by the same consistency and discipline he brought to military service. He joined Seagate Technology, where he spent more than 16 years as a Lead Security Officer and Shift Supervisor. He worked at both the San Jose and Milpitas sites, helping oversee transitions, closures, and new security operations with professionalism and calm leadership.

Fred had planned to retire in 2012, but when Seagate changed security companies, he chose to stay longer to ensure a smooth transition for his team. That decision reflected his loyalty and sense of responsibility.

He officially retired on March 12, 2013, writing that he looked forward to “spending more quality time at home with my wife and cat.” He ended that note with a line that captured his outlook:

“Hey, it really is a great world after all!”

Fred is survived by his wife, Helen Ruriko “Ricki” Yoshioka Fletcher. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sheryl D. Fletcher McElfresh, and by her husband, David McElfresh.

Fred was preceded in death by his father, George T. Fletcher, his mother, Edna Leyendecker Fletcher Cook, his brother Richard Fletcher, his sisters Rosemary Ogburn and Kathleen “Judy” Fletcher Bryant.

He is survived by his grandchildren: Troy McElfresh (Lisa), Tina McElfresh Havens (Kent), Tara McElfresh Freehill (Joel), and Tannon McElfresh (Misty); his great grandchildren; and his great- great grandchildren, all of whom carry his story forward.

Special thanks to the family in California who helped care for him in his final months, Stephen J. Scheifele and Rochelle Yonezawa, niece, along with Devin J. S. Scheifele (Sarah Hsia Scheifele) and Malia R. Mulherin (Conor Mulherin), for their steady support and presence during that time.

His family takes comfort in knowing he lived a long, steady, and purposeful life.

Graveside services will be held at Elm Ridge Memorial Park, at a later date.