Frederick Wales Gramlich was born on January 2, 1948, and passed away on April 10, 2024 with family by his side. He was born in Rochester, NY, to Harriet and Jacob Gramlich (“I.E.” and “Red”). Fred was the youngest of four children. His childhood was full of activity – piano, boy scouts, and playing every sport he could. In high school, Fred met his future wife of 53 years. He fell for Martha Jane Pleune when she told him she knew of a cow in Greece named in honor of his mother. He knew a good pick-up line when he heard one.

Fred graduated from Williams College in 1969. He spent a year at Oxford, which one might assume was for academic pursuits, but he fondly recalled playing "every sport they had". In 1970, Fred married Martha and they moved to Boston to continue their studies. Fred earned his PhD in Economics from Harvard University in 1974. Fred and Martha moved to Washington, D.C. in 1975 and he began his career as an economist for the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he worked for over 30 years until 2008.

Fred and Martha had four children: Cornelia “Nel” Wales, Jacob “Jake” Pleune, Katharine “Kit” Williams, and Elizabeth “Beth” Harriet. Fred opted to work part time in order to spend more time caring for his children. His parenting was defined by an ability to appreciate and respect his children’s differences and unique personalities. He spent years supporting, rearing, and encouraging his children. He coached soccer for youth teams before his own children were even old enough to play because he "wanted to get it right". He was just as dedicated to his grandchildren, spending consistent and regular time with them - no matter the distance traveled - for as long as he was able. He never stopped taking an interest in them and he remained unceasingly playful, patient, nurturing, and warm.

Fred was a lover of soccer, golf, tennis, swimming, baseball, bicycling, and playing bridge. He relished time spent in nature, be it birdwatching, hiking, or gardening. He shared his love of music by singing songs to his children at bedtime and playing piano accompaniment at music recitals. He had an adventurous spirit and traveled widely across the world, but he also cherished returning each summer to Wisconsin and Canada to spend time with his large extended family. Most of all, he valued personal connection with family and friends. He was an attentive and empathetic listener.

Fred bore serious health struggles over the years stoically and without complaint. He ultimately succumbed to pneumonia, a complication of his Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his wife Martha, his children Nel (Mark) Latronica, Jake (Hillary) Gramlich, Kit (Scott) Meddles, Beth (Barrett) Turner, 16 grandchildren, and his siblings Robin Gordon and Jacob “Jack” Gramlich. He is predeceased by his parents, I.E. and Red Gramlich, and his brother Edward “Ned” Gramlich. We will miss him tremendously, but are happy that he “got it right” for all of us.

Fred’s family is eternally grateful for friends, family, and caregivers who have provided support in Fred’s final years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lee-Mt. Vernon Sports Club, where Fred coached for many years (LMSC, PO Box 10202, Alexandria VA 22310).

A memorial Service honoring Fred’s life will take place on Friday, May 10 at 3:00 pm at Truro Anglican Church, 10520 Main St, Fairfax VA 22030.

Click this link to view additional details about Frederick's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/frederick-gramlich