Frederick W. Kopf, Investor and Philanthropist
Frederick W. Kopf died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, September 29, 2024, in New Providence, N.J. Fred was born October 11, 1930 in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Alfred and Paula (Warmbold) Kopf. He graduated from Baldwin High School in 1948. He attended Brown University, where he played basketball and baseball, pitching a no hitter as a sophomore. He graduated with a degree in Economics in 1952. He served in the 3rd Army in Korea as a Company Clerk and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant at the conclusion of his service. He went on to earn an MBA from New York University and became a Chartered Financial Analyst. He had a long and storied career on Wall Street as a transportation and retail analyst. Fred became an avid and skilled stock trader, finding joy not only in the challenge of the market but in sharing his insights with friends and family. His love for trading was not just a hobby, but a lifelong passion that fueled his intellectual pursuits and kept him connected to the world around him. He was employed by Smith Barney, Baker Weeks, Dean Witter Reynolds and lastly by Melhado, Flynn & Associates.
Fred met and married Betty Kraber in 1958, and they shared 66 years of marriage before her death in June 2024. They raised their three children in Westfield, N.J., and became snowbirds after his retirement. Tennis became one of his lifelong joys, keeping him active and engaged for many years. He was an active member at the Westfield Tennis Club, and at the Hutchinson Island Club in Florida. He also enjoyed platform tennis during winters in New Jersey.
Fred and Betty were dedicated philanthropists, receiving the prestigious Francis Langford Humanitarian Award in 2021 for their generosity and devotion to improving their community. They took particular interest in education and their local communities in New Jersey and Florida, supporting a wide range of educational, artistic, and nonprofit organizations. Fred and Betty were major donors to Union County College, the Florida Oceanographic Society, and established endowed scholarships at colleges and universities with connections to their family. Fred understood the transformative impact of learning and took great pride in helping others pursue their academic dreams, ensuring that many had the opportunity to succeed through his support. Fred was a man of great generosity and kindness. Whether mentoring others on financial matters or simply lending a helping hand, he had a unique way of making those around him feel supported and valued. His curiosity about the world didn’t stop with numbers — he was an avid humanist, dedicated to understanding and advocating for the well-being of others. He will be remembered for his wit, wisdom, humor, and the unconditional love he gave to his family. Those who loved him will especially miss his storytelling ability.
Fred was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Betty; his sister, Joan Tiedemann, and her husband, John Tiedemann, and his sister-in-law, Veronica Kraber. He is survived by his children, Alex (Sally), Gretchen (John Mason) and Chris (Marybeth); grandchildren, Hannah (Nate Buiel), Ezra, Nicole, Carston, Christine, Will and Erik, and great-grandchildren, Bennett and Baker, as well as his sister-in-law, Edwina Leise; cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services will be at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Planned Parenthood, in honor of Fred’s generous spirit and legacy of giving.
October 10, 2024
