On July 7, 2024, Fred Teruo Suzuki of Walnut, Calif., joined his parents, brother, relatives, and friends of the past in heaven.
Born in San Francisco in 1929, he devoted his life to his family and work. Despite enduring a demanding and difficult time as a child and teenager having to overcome the adversity of racial and political animosity of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s he went on to lead a successful and prosperous life.
A Korean War U.S. Army First Cavalry Division veteran, he returned a Sergeant First Class and graduated from UCLA with an Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree. He joined North American Aviation/ Rockwell International where he worked diligently and successfully. There he worked on the F-104 Starfighter radar, Apollo capsule, integrated circuits, B-1 Lancer, and the Space Shuttle.
Though he worked hard he ensured he always had time for his family. He would often go on family vacations, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. After his sons joined the Boy Scouts of America, he signed on as a committee member, Assistant Scoutmaster and then Scoutmaster.
He took great joy and pride that all four of sons earned the Eagle Scout rank and that they graduated from college.
Joining the Scouts permitted him to further enjoy his lifetime penchant of reflection while walking. Over the years he hiked or walked tens of thousands of miles over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the San Gabriel Mountains, his neighborhood, and other areas around Southern California and the Twin Cities in Minnesota with his dogs, sons, and grandchildren.
At home he worked on his garden with his wife with his dogs always nearby and on the alert for squirrels and birds.
Though he remained a very quiet and humble man, his decades of hard work, integrity, devotion, generosity, gentlemanly and civilized manner, and love for family deserve immense recognition.
He is survived by his wife Atsuko; sons Rory, Jim, Edwin, and Andrew; brother Ro; grandchildren Max, Claire Emiko, and Barrett; his extended family and friends; and his dog and best friend Katsu.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 22, 11:00 a.m. at the Los Angeles National Cemetery. In addition, family, friends, and former colleagues may leave notes and photos on the webpage. https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/FREDTERUOSUZUKI/a71183