Frederick William Beaufait's Obituary
Fred Beaufait, a distinguished educator, engineer, artist, and public servant, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on November 29, 1936, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Fred was the son of the late Frank W. and Eleanor H. Beaufait. He built an extraordinary life dedicated to education, engineering, service, and community leadership.
Fred earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University in 1958, a Master of Science degree in Structural Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1961, and a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1965.
Throughout a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, Fred held numerous academic and leadership positions, including serving as Dean of the College of Engineering at Wayne State University and President of New York City College of Technology of the City University of New York. He was widely respected for his contributions to engineering education, mentoring countless students and advancing international educational partnerships.
His dedication and achievements earned him many honors, including the ASEE Centennial Medallion, the George K. Wadlin Award, the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers Outstanding Engineer in Education Award, induction into the Virginia Tech Academy of Distinguished Alumni, recognition as a Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques by the French government, and the Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award.
After retiring to Delaware, Fred continued his lifelong commitment to public service. He was elected to Lewes City Council in 2011 and faithfully served the community until 2020, including six years as Deputy Mayor.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Fred found joy in painting, with solo exhibitions held in Wilmington, Dover, Rehoboth Beach, and Lewes. He loved traveling throughout Europe, reading action novels, listening to jazz and swing music, and sharing his favorite meals of fried okra, chicken pot pie, and a good Reuben sandwich with family and friends.
Fred is survived by his his son, Paul Beaufait; his daughter, Nicole Beaufait; his daughter-in-law, Nicole Waring Beaufait; his grandson, Steven Gene Beaufait; his granddaughter, Emily Marie Beaufait; and his sisters, Dorothy Beaufait and Fran Beaufait.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Erdman Beaufait.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Lewes Presbyterian Church, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes, Delaware. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. A committal service will follow at the Lewes Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Doctors Without Borders or Lewes Presbyterian Church.
Fred’s legacy of leadership, scholarship, creativity, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
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