Gloria Jean Fredette
March 9, 1949-March 9, 2025
Pleasanton, California

Gloria Jean Fredette (née Ruggieri), respected community leader and successful businesswoman who treasured her family and friends, passed peacefully on her birthday, March 9, 2025. She was born in New York City in 1949 to Jean (née Caniglia) and Angelo Ruggieri.

Gloria attended Irvington High School, where she made lifelong friends who remember her sparkling personality and sense of humor and style. Many of these friends later enjoyed her festive Christmas Parties, or spirited trips to SF with “The Girls.”

Gloria (along with one other classmate) blazed trails as the first woman to graduate with a Political Science major from California State University, Hayward. Strong and independent, Gloria worked her way through school, including at the Sears’ Children’s Department. Invited to serve as an aide for a California representative upon graduation, Gloria declined in order marry the love of her life, Richard Fredette, a Navy sailor who similarly chose a life with her over returning to the service.

Gloria and Rich met at Sears, where he worked in Men’s Suits. According to Gloria, she was assigned to the store’s ice cream stand and Rich gallantly swooped in to help when she cut her hand and bled on his cone. This claim is in dispute, but Gloria was an entertainer who never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Gloria and Rich were married in 1972 and eventually settled down in Pleasanton, a small town she remained proud of her whole life. Gloria treasured her role as wife to Richard and mom to her three children, Mike, Jennifer, and James. Her dinner table was full of family, stories, and laughter. Her favorite team, the SF Giants, were often on TV, her cheers heard from every room.

Gloria believed in giving back to her community. She served as a yard duty at Fairlands Elementary, a Cub Scout Den Leader, a CCD teacher, and a member of numerous local election campaigns. Gloria successfully ran for a seat on the Pleasanton Unified School District Board of Trustees, eventually serving as Board President. She championed teachers, reminding people that they educate our children, not classrooms. She and Rich paired up to teach Evenings for the Engaged courses for the Catholic Community of Pleasanton; they also undertook CERT training together and volunteered at the Museum on Main.

After years of working as an active stay-at-home mom, Gloria worked as an Office Manager - first for Pleasanton architect Kenneth Gooch, then for Advantage Sales and Marketing. A born conversationalist with a head for business, Gloria later excelled as the Office Manager at CGS/Crow Canyon Home, where she charmed clients and swung deals that won the acclaim of company heads.

Gloria is survived by her husband Richard Fredette and children Michael Fredette, Jennifer Fredette (husband Matthew Gehrett), and James Fredette (wife Amanda Forster). She also leaves behind her brother Michael Ruggieri (wife Kyle) and grandsons Tyler, Connor, and Zachary.

Tags: business, public service