CAPT Charles L. “Chuck” Fries, USN (Ret.)

LTJG Fries became a Naval Aviator on December 17, 1957 at HTG-1, NAS Ellyson field, Pensacola, FL.  LTJG Fries was Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator Number #R-3867.

Captain “Chuck” Fries died peacefully, at his home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on 3 April 2025.

He was born in Portland, Oregon, on 5 June 1934, to Leslie and Ada Laverne Fries.

Chuck graduated UCLA (ROTC) 6 June 1956. He entered Naval active duty on 9 June 1956. He received his master’s degree from George Washington University on 14 May 1972.

Chuck was married to Kathryn Fries, for 47 years, until she passed away on 22 June 2019.

Chuck had a distinguished 30-year career in the Navy as a fixed wing pilot, later transferring to rotary wing. His career encompassed Squadron Commander HS1 and HS11, Admin Officer, Commanding Officer afloat, USS Austin (LPD4) and Commanding Officer shore duty.

He was awarded the Legion of Merit (2 awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forced Expeditionary Medal (2 awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

He is survived by 5 children: Charles David Fries of Myrtle Beach, SC; Susan Vigar of Seneca, SC; Deborah Koteles (stepdaughter) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; John Curr (stepson) of Palm Beach, FL; and Valerie Lopez (stepdaughter) of Frederick, MD.

Chuck will be honored, 25 April 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a graveside service at Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life ceremony reception and lunch at Café Andiamo.

Fair Winds and Following Seas!   Obit

It’s my sad duty to inform you that another member of the “HS-11 Wardroom” has left us.  CAPT Chuck Fries passed away peacefully, Thursday evening–April 3rd, at his home in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL–he was 90.

His memorial service will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 as follows:

Graveside service (only):  11:00 AM

Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home & Cemetery

4750 Palm Valley Road

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL  32082

(904) 285-1130

After the service, family and friends are invited to an Informal gathering at:

Caffe Andiamo

Sawgrass Village

500 Sawgrass Village Drive

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL  32082

(904) 280-2299

Anyone desiring to provide flowers should send them to the funeral home address (above).

Those wishing to send a card or letter should mail it to the family of Chuck’s stepdaughter:  Ken & Debbie Kotelus, 5102 Otter Creek Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082.

Please RSVP to me if you are able to attend.

Larry Zimmer