Maurice Henry Fredericks

Maurice Henry Fredericks, long-time attorney and co-founder of the City of Rohnert Park, having just celebrated his 93rd birthday, passed on April 20, 2018 surrounded by family. Maurice was a tireless volunteer and community builder, beloved by his family and friends, who led by quiet example.

Born April 2, 1925 in Petaluma to pioneering Petaluma families, son of Martin Fredericks and Mary A. Cline Fredericks. His paternal grandfather Morris Fredericks came to Bloomfield in 1875 and soon thereafter Petaluma, where as a civic leader and successful contractor, collaborated with local architects and renowned Julia Morgan to build many of the city’s historic homes. His maternal grandfather, Owen J. Cline, was superintendent of the Petaluma shoe factory, employing over 100 people in the early 1900s.

Maurice’s full and vigorous childhood was spent helping the family contracting business, visiting with his many aunts, uncles, and extended family, fly-fishing in the Sierras, hunting ducks on the Petaluma River, and bicycling to the coast.

A senior at St. Vincent High School Class of 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17. Upon graduation, he left for flight school, graduating as a Naval Aviator. After the war, he continued service as a Naval Reservist. He continued his love of flying as a private pilot in his beloved Mooney airplane. Upon his graduation from the University of Santa Clara Law School in June of 1951 he joined Paul Golis at his Santa Rosa law firm, beginning a close and lasting association successful in the practice of law. In 1955, the partnership of Golis & Fredericks added a new enterprise, the founding and development of the City of Rohnert Park. The pair created various land development companies, including Alicia Homes, which built temporary quarters for Sonoma State College, and donated land for Alicia Park, the adjoining swimming pool, and John Reed School.

In June of 1957, he met Elizabeth “Betty” Sibilia, of New Jersey who was visiting her uncle Paul Golis in Montgomery Village. In 1960, she returned to California and became editor of the Rohnert Park Press. In September 1961, Betty and Maurice were married at St. Joseph’s Church, Cotati, and moved into their Alden Avenue home in Rohnert Park where they raised their three children.

Maurice took active roles in his community. He joined with a handful of other residents in what became the Rohnert Park Volunteer Fire Department. In 1968, he was elected to the Board of the Cotati Elementary School District, which later, largely through his efforts, became the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District, where he served until 1981. He received the J.X. Wilson Award for his contribution to youth education. He was an active charter member of the Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce serving many committees and offices including president.

An active Sonoma County attorney for 65 years, he was especially proud that two attorneys who were once his partners went on to become Sonoma County judges. Maurice worked on notable cases including arguing a death penalty case before the California Supreme Court. Since the 1970’s he has been a sole practitioner with emphasis on probate and estate planning.

In his later years, he enjoyed gardening, tinkering in his workshop, and tending to his walnut orchard in the Santa Rosa countryside.

Maurice is survived by Betty, his loving wife of 57 years, and his children, Steve Fredericks (Sarah), Aileen Woehl (Roger), and Douglas Fredericks (Jennifer), and four grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers Martin and Owen.

Visitation at Parent Sorensen Mortuary Petaluma from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 25th, followed by recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Friends and family are invited to a Funeral Mass at St. Joseph's Church, 150 St. Joseph Way, Cotati, on Thursday April 26th at 11:00 a.m.

Visitation

Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM 850 Keokuk Street Petaluma, California 94952 Directions Vigil Service

Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM 850 Keokuk Street Petaluma, California 94952 Directions Funeral Mass

St. Joseph Catholic Church

Thursday, April 26, 2018 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 150 St. Joseph Way Cotati, CA 94931 Directions