Thomas Edward Frey

Thomas Edward Frey
01/29/1936 - 08/19/2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Thomas Edward Frey, on August 19, 2023, at the age of 87 years. He passed away peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit of Strong Memorial Hospital after suffering a massive stroke the prior Thursday morning. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his loving family. 

Thomas was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on January 29, 1936 to George Delmore Frey and Mildred May Jones Frey. As a boy, he was precocious, often being caught smoking cigarettes at a young age. As a young man of 16, he got a job at the Goodyear Tire Company in Akron, Ohio, as a mail delivery boy for the payroll department picking up time cards and delivering checks.  At 17 years of age, Tom joined the US Navy and became a signalman for a navy destroyer ship.  He spent 4 years in the Navy from 1953 to 1957, as a Quartermaster 2nd class, and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was honorably discharged one day before his 21st birthday.  After his military service, Tom found himself back at Goodyear; first as a computer operator, and then as a programmer working on the latest machines from IBM. It was during this time he met and married the love of his life, Janice Helene Schoonover, who had located to Akron from her small town in Clay County West Virginia. They were married on June 12, 1959, and were together until her death in 2012. 

In 1970, Tom moved his family to Macedon, New York, where he and Janice raised their 3 children. Tom was a member of the Macedon Volunteer Fire Department for 40 years, serving at different times as its President, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and Director of the Fire Police. He was also a member of the Macedon Ambulance Corps for 39 years, serving as an Emergency Medical Technician.  Having a lifelong interest in baseball, Tom invested his time as a Pal-Mac Youth Baseball coach for many years, played softball in an adult league, and provided his services as a little league umpire for over 20 years. Tom was also a member of the American Legion and was a member of the Masonic lodge until his death.  Above all, Tom cherished his role in his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and his presence brought joy and laughter to his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of life lessons which include a dedicated work ethic, personal responsibility, commitment to his family and friends, and the importance of a good joke.

He is survived by his spouse Mollie Frey; his three children Jeffrey Frey (Angelique), Gregory Frey (Marcy), and Linda Gibbardo (David). Tom is survived by 7 grandchildren; Brian (Qi), Brooke (Joe), Jordan (Allyssa), Chrissy, Sienna, Scarlett, and AJ; his great grandchildren include Blake, Rae, and Addison, and one on the way. He was preceded in death by his loving wife and mother of his children, Janice Frey, in 2012.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the medical professionals at Strong Memorial Hospital for their superior care and support. 

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at the Murphy Funeral & Cremation Chapels, 1040 Route 31, Macedon, NY 14502 (Telephone: 1-315-986-7781), on Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 10:00AM to Noon, followed by the funeral service starting at 12:00 noon. A reception will be held at the American Legion, 76 Main St, Macedon, NY 14502 immediately after the interment with  military honors at the Macedon Village Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Palliative Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital, PO Box 278996, 300 East River Road, Rochester, NY 14627.  To leave a condolence, upload a photo, or to light a candle please visit Tom's tribute wall at his obituary site at www.murphyfuneralservices.com.

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