Frederick Kobbe passed away on November 7, 2025, in Virginia Beach, VA, surrounded by loved ones after a brief battle with lung cancer. Fred was born on May 5, 1949, in Elmira, NY, to Wilmer and Frances Dreste Kobbe. Fred is predeceased by his parents, his first wife Cathy Jo, son William Piland, and sister Karen Kelly.

He is survived by loving wife Kathleen, his children Crystal Midwood (Gerald), Marie Engelmann (Brian), Frederick “Junior” (Lynai), and Edward Piland, Simon Schaeffer (Stephanie), David Schaeffer (Veronica), Kerri Booker (Timothy), 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Ronald (Donna), Edward, Richard (Barbara), Carol Bastion (Steve), plus numerous nieces and nephews along with a large extended family.

Fred grew up on a farm in Granville, PA. As the youngest brother Fred was often the guinea pig for his older siblings’ experiments. Fred never minded, though, his adventurous nature shining through at a young age.

Fred dedicated many years of his professional life to Raytheon, retiring in 2014. His retirement years with Kathy were a vibrant tapestry of shared adventures, filled with travel and memorable cruises, truly embodying their dream of exploring new horizons together.

He was an avid gardener, known for his green thumb and bountiful harvests of fruit and vegetables. He was a lifelong, passionate reader. Sundays often found him cheering on his beloved Philadelphia Eagles or enjoying a round of golf from the comfort of his home, sharing his enthusiasm for sports with family and friends.

His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew him, and he will be remembered for the love he shared, the wisdom he imparted, and the joy he brought into so many lives.

In accordance with Fred’s wishes and to honor his memory, a private celebration of his remarkable life will be held for family and close friends at a later date. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society.