Frederick Meyer Jr.

Groton — Frederick A. Meyer Jr. of Groton, born Feb. 11, 1934, to Frederick A. and Martha Meyer, left us to meet his Creator on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. He passed away peacefully, at his home, surrounded by family and friends.

Fred was married to the love of his life, Phyllis Patton, for 57 years. She would always say that he was someone she wanted to hold hands and walk through life with. He was the father of two amazing children, Freddie and Melissa, and the proud Poppop to seven grandchildren, Eli, Hannah, Jona, Aidan, Rachel, Alya and Kellin. He was beloved by his sisters, Arlene, who predeceased him, and Janice, who survives him.

He was a proud Bulkeley Boy, and after graduating from high school, his passion for flying led him to become a navigator in the U.S. Air Force. Upon leaving the service, Fred met Phyllis. While attending college at the University of Colorado, he surprised her with a proposal. They were married in 1960, in New London, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Soon after, they moved to Colorado where Fred completed his bachelor’s degree. Then off to California where he received his master’s in electrical engineering from USC. After graduating, he worked for Hughes Aircraft, then moved to TRW to work in the new and exciting field of semiconductors.

Phyllis and Fred ultimately settled in sunny Manhattan Beach, Calif., where they raised their family and made lifelong friends like his cycling buddies in The SteelAss Gang.

In 1975, Fred’s adventurous spirit led him to move his family to Bordeaux, France. For two memorable years, they spent time traveling throughout Europe, learning to ski, making great friends and developing what would become a keystone of Fred’s life — a love of fine food and wine.

Eventually, Fred and Phyllis returned to Groton to be closer to their first grandchildren. Here he joined the RC Propbusters and loved spending his weekends flying his model airplanes with the club. Always an engaged part of his community, he joined the Groton Congregational Church where he eventually became a member of their Board of Trustees. He spent much of his time devoted to his grandchildren — working on projects, going on road trips, boating around Baker’s cove and making the best pancakes in the world.

Fred was fearless, optimistic, adventurous and capable and that combination made him magnetic to everyone around him. He will be dearly missed by his family, who love him beyond words.

Funeral services and burial were held on Saturday, May 19, 2018.

Please visit www.byles.com to share a memory with the family.