Frederick J. Saleeby

May 29, 1926 - August 28, 2013

Frederick John Saleeby, age 87, passed peacefully at his home in Raleigh after a yearlong struggle with cancer on Wednesday, August 28, 2013. He was surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Wilson NC to the late John and Helen Saleeby.

A Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and an Officer and a Gentleman. In World War II, Fred served his country in the Pacific theatre on the USS Ancon including every major engagement from Okinawa to the Japanese surrender. On the morning of August 29, 1945 Fred sailed with the Ancon into Tokyo Bay. From the ship's anchorage between the USS Missouri and the USS South Dakota, he witnessed the official Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945. He was also a first lieutenant on the ground during the Korean War and retired from the Army Reserve as a Captain.

Fred loved to say with a smile that he had been through two wars, but had never seen anything like what his children could present him!

Fred is survived by his wife of 63 years, Eileen Patricia McKenna "Pat" Saleeby, his five children and their families; Fred Saleeby, Jr. and wife Marilyn, Karen Saleeby Rice and husband Dan, Tim Saleeby, Bryn Townsend and husband Norris, and Reid Saleeby and wife Karen. He is also survived by two brothers; Mitchell Saleeby of Rocky Mount, NC; Ralph Saleeby of Nashville, NC and two sisters; Claudette Saleeby Petty and Shirley Saleeby Willett both of Raleigh, NC. He is pre-deceased by 3 brothers, George Saleeby, Wade Saleeby and Laurence Saleeby.

Fred had six grandchildren and two great grandchildren whom he loved dearly, and numerous nieces and nephews.
 

He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from East Carolina Teachers College (ECU), and worked in the pharmaceutical and medical capital equipment industries with great success. He loved playing golf and winning at gin rummy at the Raleigh Country Club. Going to his second home in North Myrtle Beach with Pat, kids and grandkids was also a favorite pastime. Cooking and adoring his wife were his favorite hobbies.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Wounded Warrior Project
PO Box 758517
Topeka, KS, 66675
or online at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.

To Send Condolences: Renaissance Funeral Home