La Jolla, California - Frederick Thomas "Fred" Muto, 72, passed away on December 18, 2025 of complications from Parkinson's disease. He died surrounded by his family at his home in La Jolla, California. Born on November 4, 1953, in Niagara Falls, New York, Fred's life was marked by professional excellence, deep personal connections, and a passion for the people and pursuits he loved.

Fred graduated from Bishop Duffy High School in 1971 and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from SUNY Buffalo in 1975. He attended Boalt Hall School of Law at UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School, graduating from Boalt Hall in 1979.

In 1980, Fred joined Cooley LLP in San Francisco as its 42nd attorney. Over the next 37 years, he built an extraordinary career specializing in corporate and securities law. In 1992, Fred relocated to Southern California to open Cooley's San Diego office as a founding partner. Under his leadership and with the hard work of many, the office flourished into the powerhouse practice it is today. Fred's strategic insight and sound judgment earned him widespread respect among clients and colleagues alike as he played a pivotal role in shaping San Diego's emergence as a global hub for biotechnology and high technology.

Beyond his client work, Fred was integral to Cooley's growth into an international firm with over 1,300 attorneys across 19 offices. He held numerous senior leadership roles within the firm over the years including longstanding positions on its board of directors, chair of the global business department and partner in charge of the San Diego office. His collaborative yet decisive leadership style left a lasting imprint on generations of attorneys who benefited from his mentorship.

Fred's professional accomplishments were surpassed only by his devotion to family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lynn; their children Daniel (Kylie), Chris (Anne), and Lauren (Danielle); grandchildren Hadley and Sawyer Muto; his brother Guy (Laurie) Muto; and his sister-in-law Judy Hart Perrault. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred Muto and Shirley Muto (née Tweedie), as well as his sister Rose Kavanaugh.

Fred was a proud member of the Buffalo Bills mafia and an enthusiastic LA Lakers fan. He loved to exercise and to travel. He treasured his many deep friendships and was, in turn, a loyal and devoted friend.

Fred will be deeply missed by his family, colleagues, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his wisdom, warmth, humor, and generosity. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.