Frederic Charles Espey
April 2, 1934 – September 26, 2023
Frederic Charles Espey, “Fred”, a long time resident of San Francisco, California, passed away on September 26th, 2023 at age 89. Fred was born on April 2, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, the only child of Richard B. Espey and Dorene K. Espey.
Fred grew up in Chicago, and attended Morgan Park High School. Fred attended Purdue University, studying engineering for two years, and then transferred to Brown University where he was on the Dean’s List and obtained a BA in History. After college, Fred enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. While in Texas, Fred taught mathematics to Air Force cadets, and he learned how to pilot small airplanes. Fred was honorably discharged from the Air Force on January 28, 1959 at the level of First Lieutenant.
Working as a salesman for an air conditioning company, Fred settled in the San Francisco Bay Area where he met and married Jean Campbell Espey, his beloved wife of 57 years. While raising their two young children, Janet M. Espey and Carolyn P. Espey, Fred decided to go back to night school to become an attorney. Fred graduated summa cum laude from San Francisco’s Golden Gate University School of Law, and was admitted to the California State Bar on June 18, 1974. Fred practiced law for 38 years, eventually passing his law practice on to his two attorney daughters, who followed in his footsteps. Fred often expressed how much he enjoyed helping people as an attorney, and that changing careers was one of his best decisions.
In his free time, Fred and family enjoyed many visits to Yosemite, backpacking, camping, and overseas travel, visiting many countries. Fred loved golf, reading history books, flying small planes, gardening, working on cars, and countless handyman projects. Fred was a devoted Giants and 49ers fan, and attended many games at Candlestick Park. Fred was at Candlestick Park for Game 3 of the 1989 World Series when the Loma Prieta Earthquake struck. In his retirement, Fred enjoyed life at home with his wife Jean and their dogs Max and Louie and assorted cats. His family and friends will miss his soft spoken kindness and gentle sense of humor.
Fred was preceded in death by his father, Richard, mother, Dorene, and uncle Robert C. Espey. Fred is survived by his wife, Jean, his two daughters, Janet (Donovan) and Carolyn (Christopher), and was survived by his brother-in-law Walter M. Campbell who died one week later. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Oct. 30, 2023.
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