Dean K. Frederick

Dean Kimball Frederick, age 91, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, in the comfort of his home in Saratoga Springs.

He was born on November 11, 1934, in Providence, RI, the son of the late Charles Elder Frederick and Elizabeth Kimball Dean. 

Dean received a bachelor’s degree from Yale University, his master’s from Brown University and a PhD from Stanford University.

In between degrees he volunteered for service in the United States Army. He was based in Germany from 1955 through 1957.

Dean began his academic career teaching at Clarkson University, before joining the faculty at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. He was an electrical engineering and computer systems engineering professor for 30 years. Dean consulted with NASA during the early days of the space program. He was also a consultant with General Electric in Schenectady, NY working on control systems for the engines in the F-35 joint strike fighter. During his career he wrote and published several engineering textbooks.

Dean had fond memories of attending Wavus Camp in Damariscotta, ME as a child. Decades later he was part of a group, which included his brother Glenn, that rejuvenated Wavus into a thriving camp again. An enthusiastic traveler Dean and Phyllis covered most of the globe. He was particularly fond of the Olympics attending the games in Montreal, Lake Placid, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Barcelona, and Salt Lake City.

Dean was an avid sailor, beginning at a young age sailing out of Saunderstown, RI, crewing on small race boats every weekend. His sailing adventures expanded to family trips on Lake Champlain and Caribbean adventures with his favorite first mate, Phyllis.

In between teaching, sailing and traveling Dean found time to train for and run in 17 marathons. He races included Boston, New York City, Berlin, Ottawa, and the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington D.C.

Later in life he supplemented his adventures on the water by being outdoors assisting Phyllis with her gardens, landscaping and taking down trees in their Saratoga backyard.

Dean is survived by his wife of 68 years Phyllis Miles Frederick; daughter, Ann Dean Frederick, sons, Charles Miles Frederick (Sera Porter), David Birchall Frederick (Michelle Cayer); Steven Kimball Frederick; grandchildren Miles (Grace Bloom) and Charlotte Bloom, Danielle, Taylor and Jay Frederick, Keltin Frederick, Jack, Maggie and Nora Frederick. And great grandson, Everett Bloom. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Glennard “Pick” Frederick, and Kenneth Frederick. 

A private service will be held at Saratoga National Cemetery on Thursday February 19, 2026.

In lieu of flowers donations to Drillingforhope.org would be greatly appreciated.

For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

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