It is with sadness that I announce the passing of Fred Sugidono, a dear friend and classmate . He passed away this morning after a long battle with cancer.
Obituary
Fred Sugidono, 75, of Watsonville, CA passed away peacefully on January 22nd, 2023, surrounded by his family. Fred was born September 22nd, 1947 in Salinas, CA to Ichiro “Sam” Sugidono and Fumiko Okamura. He was the eldest of four children. Fred joined the Army in August of 1966. He served in the Vietnam War, as part of the 1st Infantry Division – “The Big Red One”, and was decorated with 4 medals before being honorably discharged in August of 1969. Fred married his wife, Paula in 1970. They were blessed with 3 children, Joshua, Ryan, and Mindy. Fred’s interest in agriculture led him to become a strawberry farmer for 14 years from 1971-1985. He continued his career in strawberries, working at Carriage House Fruit for 10 years, where he followed the crops to Southern California and back. Fred finished his career at Giant Berry Farms, where he made lifelong friendships. Fred retired in 2005 and moved to Cave Creek, AZ to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Fred will be most remembered for his sense of humor, and his love for his family, animals, and Bay Area sports teams (the 49ers, Giants, and Warriors). Fred is survived by his wife Paula, sons, Joshua (Dawn), Ryan (Irene), daughter, Mindy (Dylon) of Scottsdale, AZ, brothers, Randy (Renee), Michael (Melinda), sister, Karen, nine grandchildren, Makayla, Kaylani, Zoe, Amaya, Xochitl, Joshua, Darby, Seamus, and Royce, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service will be held at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary on Thursday, February 2nd at 12pm. A viewing will be held prior to the service at 10am, for anyone that would like to attend. Following the service, a Military Burial will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
Fred and his buddies in Little League Baseball. Coach?, Eddie "something", Gary Lee, Gary Birlem, FRED SUGIDONO, Jim Lopes, "Lefty" forgot his name, Ben Ragsac, Billy Victorino.
I first learned of Fred when he was hitting home runs like "Babe Ruth" in the American League of the Little League, he was a legend at 12. I became friends with him in Junior High and remained friends through high school. His father worked on our cars, nice man. I was so happy to see Fred at our 50th Reunion; I had a nice chat with him. He looked so young that night. My condolences to his family. RIP Fred.
I am so sad to hear of Fred's passing. While I didn't know him in high school, I certainly knew OF him and his outstanding abilities as a baseball player. I know the many boys from our class who remember him fondly find this a difficult day. My sincere condolences to his family and all who loved him.
I first met Fred when we were in the 6th grade. Always thought a lot of Fred and his entire family. I was with him when his parents gave him his 62 Corvette. We worked together in construction for a short time before he went into produce. We went fishing together at Arroyo Seco shortly after he came back from Vietnam. He will be greatly missed.
I am sad to hear of Fred's passing. He was a great guy, and always so kind. He will be missed by so many. My prayers go out to Paula and his family. Rest in peace my friend.
Bill Probert
It is with sadness that I announce the passing of Fred Sugidono, a dear friend and classmate . He passed away this morning after a long battle with cancer.
Obituary
Fred Sugidono, 75, of Watsonville, CA passed away peacefully on January 22nd, 2023, surrounded by his family. Fred was born September 22nd, 1947 in Salinas, CA to Ichiro “Sam” Sugidono and Fumiko Okamura. He was the eldest of four children. Fred joined the Army in August of 1966. He served in the Vietnam War, as part of the 1st Infantry Division – “The Big Red One”, and was decorated with 4 medals before being honorably discharged in August of 1969. Fred married his wife, Paula in 1970. They were blessed with 3 children, Joshua, Ryan, and Mindy. Fred’s interest in agriculture led him to become a strawberry farmer for 14 years from 1971-1985. He continued his career in strawberries, working at Carriage House Fruit for 10 years, where he followed the crops to Southern California and back. Fred finished his career at Giant Berry Farms, where he made lifelong friendships. Fred retired in 2005 and moved to Cave Creek, AZ to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Fred will be most remembered for his sense of humor, and his love for his family, animals, and Bay Area sports teams (the 49ers, Giants, and Warriors). Fred is survived by his wife Paula, sons, Joshua (Dawn), Ryan (Irene), daughter, Mindy (Dylon) of Scottsdale, AZ, brothers, Randy (Renee), Michael (Melinda), sister, Karen, nine grandchildren, Makayla, Kaylani, Zoe, Amaya, Xochitl, Joshua, Darby, Seamus, and Royce, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service will be held at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary on Thursday, February 2nd at 12pm. A viewing will be held prior to the service at 10am, for anyone that would like to attend. Following the service, a Military Burial will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
Ken Brownell
I first learned of Fred when he was hitting home runs like "Babe Ruth" in the American League of the Little League, he was a legend at 12. I became friends with him in Junior High and remained friends through high school. His father worked on our cars, nice man. I was so happy to see Fred at our 50th Reunion; I had a nice chat with him. He looked so young that night. My condolences to his family. RIP Fred.
Karen Kelley (Lund)
I am so sad to hear of Fred's passing. While I didn't know him in high school, I certainly knew OF him and his outstanding abilities as a baseball player. I know the many boys from our class who remember him fondly find this a difficult day. My sincere condolences to his family and all who loved him.
Pete Harris
I first met Fred when we were in the 6th grade. Always thought a lot of Fred and his entire family. I was with him when his parents gave him his 62 Corvette. We worked together in construction for a short time before he went into produce. We went fishing together at Arroyo Seco shortly after he came back from Vietnam. He will be greatly missed.
Martha Souza (Fagundes)
I am sad to hear of Fred's passing. He was a great guy, and always so kind. He will be missed by so many. My prayers go out to Paula and his family. Rest in peace my friend.