Obituary of Frederick Herman Guber, Jr.

A Mighty Oak Has Fallen.

Fredrick H. Guber, a true member of America’s greatest generation, died peacefully, in his home, surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday November 22, 2025 in Morris Plains NJ.

Born in 1931, Fred grew up in Roselle NJ, in a comfy home, with a doting mother Rose, and his father Fred Sr., an ingenious master machinist. Fred attended Roselle high, where he caught the eye of pretty Betty-Anne with his flashy Ford convertible and his tall, dark good looks, and together they began a life-long love affair.

While an engineering student at Stevens, Fred attended classrooms with soldiers returning from war, and shared a hardscrabble Hoboken walk-up with Betty, his new bride. It was an idyllic, if inauspicious beginning to what was to become 72-year partnership. They raised a band of 5 raucous, happy children; Rick, Joanne, Bill, Tom and Peg. They traveled around the world, living in Japan, Jamaica, Holland and Belgium. And together, they lived a life rich in experiences, joys and adventures that, when all was said and done, far surpassed their humble beginnings and wildest dreams.

After college, Fred entered the workplace as one of the vanguards of America’s postwar expansion. He spent most of his career years working for Exxon where, as one of their engineer aces, he was sent off to far flung plants and refineries, either to set them up or - in many cases - to keep them from blowing up. His engineering prowess and experience no doubt saved his company many millions in the span of his career, but Fred was always most proud of the jobs and lives he may have saved through his efforts.

Fiercely smart and independent minded, Fred rose through corporate ranks on merit – but could never quite bring himself to play the game. He refused a late career offer to return to school for the advanced degree required for entrée into Exxon’s upper echelons. And at 60, convinced he’d given enough of his life to the firm, promptly retired. And for the next 34 years he and Betty lived a storybook retirement, traveling the country in their RV’s, and alternating between a charming lakeside home in New Jersey and a paradise-like setting in Hobe Sound Florida.

Though not traditionally religious, Fred held firm to a unique and personal faith, as well as an unbreakable moral code from which he is not known to have deviated. Ever in motion, he was a tireless fixer of things, a sailor, a sculptor and an artist. He was a sure hand in a tight spot. Helpful and generous to anyone in need, and above all fiercely devoted to his family.

Through it all, Fred and Betty lived remarkable, independent and autonomous lives, which defied actuarial tables, representing a living testament to their deep love and care for one another – as well as the loving support of their children, grandchildren and everyone in their beloved extended family.

Fred’s  legacy will live on in the hearts of his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Betty” “Bim” Guber; his loving children, Rick Guber and Jacki Bollag of Morristown, Joanne and Dan Shalit of Mendham, Bill Guber and Joy McDermott of Morris Plains, Tom and Holly Guber of Maplewood, and Peggy and Gary Wagner of Mendham; his cherished grandchildren, Emily and Joe Kaplan, David and Nicole Shalit, Peter Shalit, Greta and Justin Lefkowitz, Grace Guber, Kaley Wagner and Sajid Ahmed, Steven Wagner and Theresa Puhr, and Karsyn Wagner; his treasured great-grandchildren, Joanie, Ava, Alina, and Nora; and many other dear extended family and friends.

All services will be private. In addition to the unforgettable memories held by his family, we invite those who knew Fred to share their favorite stories, memories, or words of tribute on normandean.com. Those interested in making a charitable donation in Fred’s memory are invited to donate to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure reciept of your donation.