Fred Motter Obituary

Fred Lewis Motter, Jr., 97, passed away peacefully of natural causes on February 1, 2026, at English Meadows Assisted Living in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Born May 1, 1928, in York, Pennsylvania, Fred lost his mother, Helen Bolton, five days later from delivery complications. He was raised by his father, Fred Sr. and stepmother, Emily Garey, alongside his younger sister, Fay. Growing up, Fred excelled in basketball, swimming, golf, and tennis, and developed a lifelong love of music after accidentally watching a film about composer Franz Schubert.

Fred graduated from William Penn Senior High School in 1947 and joined the Army, achieving the rank of Corporal before his honorable discharge in 1950. He then enjoyed a three-decade career in federal government service, with overseas assignments in Cyprus, Iran, Lebanon, Laos, Thailand, and Italy, and stateside tours in Washington, D.C., and Miami.

Known for his kindness and steadfast friendship, Fred developed a passion for sailing that he pursued well into his 80s. He married his first wife, Peggy Grainer, in 1957, adopting her daughter and later raising four children.

Fred retired following his final assignment in Rome, where he spent nearly twenty years making wine and olive oil and sailing the Mediterranean. He later fulfilled a lifelong dream by sailing across the Atlantic and winning his class in an Annapolis-to-Bermuda race.

Fred is survived by his wife of ten years, Joan Duncan; four children, four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, and extended family. He was preceded in death by two wives and close family members.

A memorial service will be conducted at 3 p.m., Sunday, February 15, 2026, at English Meadows Assisted Living, in Harrisonburg, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Legacy Hospice, 2015 Reservoir Street, Ste 204, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. Please be sure to note, donation in memory of Fred Motter, Jr.

Condolences may be shared at kygers.com.