Frederic Julius Meier was born in St. Louis, Missouri on July 10, 1926, to parents Vivian (Spindler) Meier and Percy "Pete" Meier. He died of old age in Canaan, NY on October 24, 2023, at the age of 97. He grew up in Clayton, MO where his mother started and ran the public library. He was the middle of three boys. During the Depression his father ran a bridge club and the family lived at the club.

Fred had an unconventional education. He preferred learning by reading, conversing and doing, rather than attending school. He used to say that he went to the school of hard knocks. Although he skipped two grades in elementary school and was accepted into a graduate program at the University of Chicago, he never stayed long enough to receive a degree.

As a young adult he became involved with the socialist movement where he met and married Deborah Willen. In the 1970s the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee (DSOC) was formed in their living room. DSOC eventually merged and became the Democratic Socialists of America.

Fred and Debbie had three children: Becky, Nick and Roger. The family moved from Chicago to Philadelphia and finally to a brownstone in NYC.

Fred learned to use the very first computers in the 1950s and worked professionally with data management all his life, mostly for universities, until finally starting his own data processing business, setting up a "machine shop" in the basement.

Fred was an avid and accomplished bridge player and bowler as well as enjoying pool, ping pong and pinball. He loved to bicycle around New York City. Fred enjoyed being social, and telling stories from his adventurous youth. He loved to invite strangers into the house for a meal, to play the piano or just to chat. He kept a pool/ping-pong table, a pinball machine and a tub of ice-cream ready for any guests that might arrive.

Late in life he moved to Columbia County, NY. He spent his final years living with his daughter in Canaan, NY where he was devotedly cared for by a group of dedicated and loving caregivers. He gracefully accepted his increasing dementia and continually expressed his gratitude for the care he received.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers Henry and Richard Meier. He is survived by his wife Deborah Meier; his three children: Becky, Nick and Roger Meier; four grandchildren: Sarah Meier-Zimbler, Ezra Zimbler, Lilli Meier, and Daniel Meier; and two great grandchildren: Lucas and Noah as well as nieces and nephews. The family will have a private service, please no flowers. If you'd like to honor Fred Meier, don't be afraid of strangers, instead reach out and connect with them.

Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.