Gary Bruce Frohlich

January 18, 1945 – March 4, 2025

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of a devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother, coach and friend, Gary Bruce Frohlich. Born in Hinsdale Illinois on January 18th, 1945, to Alice and Donald Frohlich, he passed away on Tuesday March 4th. He was 80 years old.

Gary spent his early childhood years in Downers Grove Illinois before his family ventured west to California when he was five years old in 1950. His childhood and teen years were spent in Redwood City where he attended Sequoia High School. Gary was an accomplished athlete excelling in football, basketball and baseball. He was the District Athlete of the Year in 1963 and earned a baseball scholarship to the University of Arizona in Tucson. His athletic advancement was sidelined by a knee injury playing football. He returned to the Bay Area where he met the love of his life, Carolyn sitting in class at the College of San Mateo. They maintained a long-distance relationship for two years while he finished school and obtained his teaching credential at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. He finalized his education by obtaining a master’s degree at San Jose State.   He and Carolyn were married in 1968.

Gary’s first (and only) employer was the San Mateo Union High School district. He started his educational career teaching driver’s education and giving behind-the-wheel driving lessons to teens on the peninsula. Eventually, he found a home at Mills High School, where he taught physical education, safety education, driver’s education and coached football, basketball and baseball. Gary took pride in ensuring that his athletes were not only prepared for their sport, but for life as well. After 35 years he retired in 2003.

Retirement allowed Gary to spend time doing the things that he loved. Gary was a scratch golfer. His love for the game was undeniable, and he could usually be found on a golf course every morning. Gary also loved to travel and was an amateur photographer. He and Carolyn spent the last 20 years traveling the world and he enjoyed creating magical photo books to share with his family. 

Gary leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years Carolyn, his children Dan Frohlich, Nikki Bryant (Collin Bryant), his granddaughters Hunter and Hayden Bryant, his grandson Wyatt Frohlich and his sister Annie Baccala (Walt Baccala). Gary ‘s life was marked by love, dedication, pride and unwavering integrity. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by his family and all who have the privilege of knowing or learning from him. 

A Celebration of Gary’s Life will be held at Alta Mesa Memorial Park, 695 Arastradero Road Palo Alto, in the Mediation building on Thursday March 20, 2025, at 11:00am.  All are welcome.