Fred Glaski

Fred Glaski of Danville, died May 31, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 80.

Frederick Anthony Glaski was born on May 31, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois to Arthur and Wanda Glaski. He earned an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University and then was awarded a scholarship to complete his master’s degree in chemical engineering at Northwestern University. After graduating, Glaski moved to California, where he met his future wife, Patricia Diane Hawkins.

On Feb. 4, 1967, Glaski married Patricia at St. John Eudes Catholic Church in Chatsworth, California. He first worked as a chemical engineer in southern California while beginning to raise a family, then worked for NASA before moving his family to northern California where he worked for the Department of Energy in Oakland. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is where he spent the majority of his career, working as the manager of the former Space and Site Planning Group. He retired in 2007.

Glaski was a gifted musician who played wind instruments including the saxophone and flute. He formed his first band, the Freddie Mitchell Band, during his undergraduate college years and continued pursuing his passion for music after raising his family by becoming a member of a 17-piece big band named Lady K and the Kings of Swing. His band played at several events such as the Wind Festival and the Black and White Ball, which were held annually in San Ramon. The band produced a CD called "Live at Blackhawk" in 2009 that recreated the sounds of Ellington, Cole Porter, Count Basie, Gershwin, Kenton, Sinatra and more. In addition to his music, he enjoyed ballroom dancing and performed at several showcases throughout California. 

Glaski enjoyed going to jazz festivals and seeing the latest released movies in the theater. Baseball was his favorite sport; he pitched for his high school team, and became an avid A’s fan who rarely missed a televised game and attended as many games as possible during the summer months. He will be remembered for his gentle demeanor, kindness and his love of telling silly jokes. His friends and family will miss his remarkable character and talents.

Glaski is survived by his wife, Patricia Glaski of Danville: his daughter, Victoria Salvo of Danville; his son, Steven Glaski of Dublin, California, and his two grandchildren, Connor Salvo and Riley Salvo. He was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Toth.

A memorial service will be held at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 15.