Frederick J. Cone

Frederick J. Cone of Concord died Aug. 31 at his home after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 64.

Born March 13 1947, in Connecticut, Cone had no siblings.

He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1968. He earned a master of science degree in environmental studies from Drexel University in 1983 and became a certified industrial hygienist shortly thereafter.

He began his career working for Exxon-Mobil at their Paulsboro, N.J. refinery. After moving to California in 1984 with his new bride, Sue Drost Cone of New Jersey, he worked for several years as an industrial hygienist for the U.S. Navy at various facilities throughout the Bay Area.

His career next took him to the Occupational Health and Safety Office at the University of California, Berkeley, where he met many life-long friends.

He joined the Lab’s Hazards Control Department in 1991 as an industrial hygenist. After retiring from the Laboratory in 2008, Cone began a second career by going back to school. He graduated from Cal State East Bay in 2009 with a master's degree in counseling with an option in marriage and family therapy. During this time, he spent many hours as a volunteer at the Contra Costa Crisis Center. At the time of his diagnosis, he had just landed an internship at Head Start of Richmond. He loved his work and always felt he could make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged kids.

Cone enjoyed white water canoeing and kayaking, scuba diving, traveling, photography, four-wheel drive trips to the desert and camping in his Airstream trailer with his family. But the activity that brought the most joy was bluegrass music.

In addition to playing the upright bass, banjo and guitar, he also loved to sing. During his illness, playing his bass provided comfort and solace. He played up until six days before he died, spending that day in a recording session, laying down his last track, which was titled “Who Will Sing for Me?” He chose the song himself and was not unaware of its significance.

Cone is survived by his wife, Sue, his in-laws, Henry and Louise Drost of Springhill, Fla. and his two Shetland sheepdogs, Rusty and Flash. He also leaves behind many dear friends.

There will be a celebration of Cone’s life and a potluck bluegrass jam Sept. 18 from 1-4 p.m. at the Cancer Support Community East Bay, 3276 Mc Nutt Ave., Walnut Creek, CA 94597. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Cancer Support Community (same address) in Cone’s honor.