Jay Allen Frederick, a 46-year resident of the Santa Ynez Valley, passed away at Cottage Hospital on April 20, 2026.  He was 85 years old.

Born in Southern California, he spent his childhood in El Segundo where his father owned a Standard Oil Station.  After high school he spent two years “studying art”  (and girls) in Europe before returning stateside, where he joined the Marine Corps reserves.  While on leave from basic training he met an elementary school teacher, Susan Capobianco, at a party in Manhattan Beach.  They married after a three-month courtship in 1963 and settled in the South Bay where he worked for Hughes and McDonnell Douglas on the burgeoning space programs.

Rarely seen without a book, Jay spent seven years reading, playing tennis and visiting art museums with Susan. He also earned his B.A. in Art History before welcoming their first daughter, Gabriella, in 1970 followed quickly by Andrea in 1971 and April in 1974.  Jay pivoted to working for State Farm Insurance and moved his young family to Santa Ynez in 1979.  Jay worked in the State Farm Claim Office until he retired in 1999.  Susan taught in Orcutt until her untimely death in 1995.  It was while working at State Farm that Jay met his second wife and partner of 28 years, Patricia (Saake).

Jay leaves behind his wife, Patricia, daughter Gabriella Frederick and her children Geneva (26) and Zane (24); his daughter Andrea Frederick and son-in-law Alan DeWitt and their son Edan; his daughter April Frederick and son-in-law Mark Young and April’s son Desmond.  He also leaves his older brother, John Frederick, and his family, and younger sister Nancy Rueschenberg and her family, as well as Pat’s sons, their wives, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jay enjoyed many good friends who enriched his life.

The family wishes to extend its sincerest gratitude to the caring staff at Cottage Hospital, Angeles Clinic and the many doctors who treated him.

Per his express wishes, a private family memorial will be held at a future date.