The family of Fred Lee Branstetter Jr. has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Freddy, as he was known to family and friends, passed away on October 29, 2021. Born on May 4, 1972 to Fred and Peggy (Hill) Branstetter in San Diego. Freddy grew up with 6 siblings, Bob, Jim, Brett, Bart, Peggy and Susan.
Freddy served in the United States Marine Corp from April 4, 1993 to June 23, 1999. In this time he received his Marksman Rifle Badge and his National Defense service medal. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Lance Corporal.
Freddy graduated from San Diego High School in 1990. A year later he joined the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1991 to 1998, including in the Reserves. During this time, Freddy experienced both unabashed Patriotism and unending anguish at the loss of innocence he experienced via the damage to his brothers-in-arms in service to our country. Specific details of his service remain, to this day, unknown and a double-edged sword as it was difficult to open up about his time in the service. Freddy took great pride in his accomplishments as a United States Marine and lived by the USMC motto: Simper Fidelis (Always Faithful). Freddy had a “tough it out” mentality that eventually wore out a good man too soon.
Freddy married his 1st wife, Carlyn Alfonso, who was a young mother of Johnny Alfonso. Freddy stepped up and raised Johnny as his own. Freddy and Carlyn expanded the family with three more daughters. The first of his three daughters, Jennavie, was born in 1994. Daughters Jalissa (January,1999) and Jasmine (December 1999).
During the 1990’s and early 2000’s, you could find Freddy delivering newspapers to businesses in the North Park area. Freddy went on to work in the private security industry for over 12 years and Hookup Baits for 3 years.
Freddy met a fellow a divorcée in Point Loma in 2018, and on November 7, 2020, he married Ms. Tamy Varley in Las Vegas, Nevada. They moved into a cottage-style home her family has owned for nearly a century in the historic La Playa neighborhood, overlooking San Diego Bay.
Freddy loved to sit in the shade, by an outdoor fire, near his pick-up truck, and next to the family’s beloved dog, admiring the view or reflected lights of the city he loved upon the water (and always thinking of the fish there, mind you!). Freddy became a popular icon there, and many neighbors would stop by and chat daily, along with Freddy’s many friends that would join him.
Times were Good…, but not idyllic. Despite being relatively young, Freddy was “not well”; and several friends and family quietly expressed concern about troubling signs. Freddy would repeatedly claim he was “alright”, “getting better”, and he was only too willing to “tough it out”, staunchly refusing his wife imploring him to seek medical attention. Eventually, he conceded; but tragically…, it was too late. Fate intervened.
On October 29, 2021 Freddy died from a sudden heart attack, suffered while in UCSD Hillcrest hospital, at just 49 years of age. Far too young. Fred Lee Branstetter Jr., father of four and friend to many, will be interred in a private ceremony where he will be lovingly remembered, at Greenwood Memorial Park.
Freddy loved dogs, baseball, golf, and had a passion for fishing. He was featured in a 1985 Los Angeles Times article, pulling bluegill out of the San Diego River in Mission Valley. Freddy’s large stature (6’ 4”) and personality made it easy for everyone to be drawn to him.
Freddy is predeceased by his parents, Fred Sr. and Peggy, as well as his sister Peggy. Survivors include his wife Mrs. Tamy Varley Branstetter, son John Alfonso (Roseanne) and grandson Rodolfo “Little Rudy” Alfonso, daughters Jennavie Hernandez (Ramon), Jalissa Branstetter, and Jasmine Branstetter; as well as siblings, Bob, Jim, Brett, Bart, and Susan; and numerous other family members and friends. “Semper Fi” Freddy, you are indeed missed.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
NOTE: PLEASE OBSERVE ALL COVID POLICIES, HAVE MASK AVAILABLE IF NEEDEDTime Table for Friday, January 28th, 2022:1115 - Stage at Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary, 4300 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
https://goo.gl/maps/GCw65DAnexT2 1130 - Mission Briefing
1145 - Flag Line for Dignified Transfer of Hero to Coach
1200 - Flag Line, Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
R/C Stacey McCarthy “Lil Bit”
So Cal PGR Ride Captain(619)277-5176
smoerschell@yahoo.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
