Husband, father, grandfather, musician, craftsman

Lief David Frederick died peacefully on April 25 at the age of 73.

Born on August 16, 1951 in Pomona, Lief was the second of four children born to Dr. Paul and Emmy Frederick. In 1960, they settled in Claremont, where he would remain a lifelong resident.

He carried a deep pride in his Italian heritage, often recalling fond childhood memories of visiting his Italian immigrant grandparents, Delfina and Evasio Brusasco, in Tuolumne, California, and traveling through Europe as a teen with his family. As a young man, he made cherished trips with friends to visit his cousin Maurizio in Italy, especially treasuring his time in Alba, his mother’s hometown.

“A gifted musician, his extraordinary talent as a bass player and his soulful touch on the 12-string guitar could move hearts and bring his listeners to tears,” his family shared. He was a fixture in the Claremont music scene for many years. It would be music that would bring him together with his loving wife, Valorie. They met performing USO tours and would perform together for years to come. They married in 1975 and would go on to have three children, Lief David II, Taylor, and Austin.

He was also a talented craftsman, skilled in painting and home restoration. He remained in this profession for many years, but it was other activities of which he was most proud. His wife taught music at Oak Tree Day School in Pomona, and he would perform for her students, which included their children Lief and Taylor. He helped to paint the mural at Pomona Arts Center, which featured his wife, son Austin, and granddaughter Ashlyn. He was also a proud volunteer coach for Pomona Valley Special Olympics, where he coached Austin and other amazing athletes in track and field events.

Above all, he cherished his role as grandfather. Watching his grandchildren grow and thrive in their many activities, including color guard, band, soccer, and many more brought him immense joy. In his later years, one of his favorite treasures was a digital picture frame that played an endless loop of pictures of his grandkids (and his cat, Hobbit).

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Valorie Frederick; children Austin Frederick, Taylor Marie and Lief Frederick II (Noelle Frederick); grandchildren Ashlyn, Kai, Dilyn, Hayden, Eden, Bella Jaffri (Robert Jaffri), and Rudie; and siblings Paula Frederick, Galen Frederick, and Victoria Brown.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.