Captain "Chuck" Fries died peacefully, at his home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on 3 April 2025.
He was born in Portland, Oregon, on 5 June 1934, to Leslie and Ada Laverne Fries.
Chuck graduated UCLA (ROTC) 6 June 1956. He entered Naval active duty on 9 June 1956. He received his master’s degree from George Washington University on 14 May 1972.
Chuck was married to Kathryn Fries, for 47 years, until she passed away on 22 June 2019.
Chuck had a distinguished 30-year career in the Navy as a fixed wing pilot, later transferring to rotary wing. His career encompassed Squadron Commander HS1 and HS11, Admin Officer, Commanding Officer afloat, USS Austin (LPD4) and Commanding Officer shore duty.
He was awarded the Legion of Merit (2 awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forced Expeditionary Medal (2 awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
He is survived by 5 children: Charles David Fries of Myrtle Beach, SC; Susan Vigar of Seneca, SC; Deborah Koteles (stepdaughter) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; John Curr (stepson) of Palm Beach, FL; and Valerie Lopez (stepdaughter) of Frederick, MD.
Chuck will be honored, 25 April 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a graveside service at Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life ceremony reception and lunch at Café Andiamo.
