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Richard L. Frey

Richard L. Frey

Richard Lehnen Frey, 86 years of age, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday morning, December 13, 2017, at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk.

Born August 31, 1931 in Dunkirk, N.Y., to the late Marion and Edith Lehnen Frey.

Richard was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Dunkirk. A life-long resident of the City of Dunkirk, he was a graduate of Dunkirk High School Class of 1949 and attended the University of Buffalo and Fredonia State University.

A decorated Korean War veteran, he attained the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Army and received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat while fighting at Heartbreak Ridge. Other medals and awards received during his service career included the Korean Service Medal with Bronze Servie Stars, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Medal, and Combat Infantry Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1954 from the Army.

Richard retired from Red Wing Corporation and served as Mayor of the City Dunkirk from 2002 to 2012.

Richard enjoyed spending time with his family and could often be found at local youth sporting events in the community. He loved the City of Dunkirk and was proud to call Dunkirk home his entire life. He worked tirelessly to promote the city and brought a great deal of positive improvements during his term as mayor.

Surviving is his loving and deeply devoted wife of 63 years, Patricia Reed Frey, whom he married August 21, 1954. He was the proud father of Michael Frey, Deborah (Thomas) Rozumalski, William (Mary) Frey, and Timothy (Martha) Frey. He was the biggest fan and supporter of his beloved grandchildren, T.J Frey, Tyler (Morgan) Frey, Molly (Miles Anderson) Frey, Katie (Jason) Cieslewicz, Thomas (Jamie) Rozumalski, Michael Rozumalski, and Reed Frey. Great-grandchildren Harper, Ashton, and Noah along with several nieces and nephews and his sister-in-law Sue Frey also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Jane Schweda, Kathleen Frey, Joyce Frey and brother Jack Frey.

Richard was a very active community member throughout his life holding memberships in various clubs and community organizations. Even in death he gave through “Unyts of WNY,” an organ, eye and tissue donation organization.

Friends may call on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, 736 Central Ave., Dunkirk, from 1-6 p.m. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, December 18 in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 328 Washington Ave., Dunkirk. (Please assemble at the church.) Military Honors will be accorded by the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard.

Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made in his name to The Dunkirk Little League Program c/o Carol Ahlstrom, 71 Armadillo St., Dunkirk, NY 14048 or in the spirit of the season he would have been honored to have you pick an angel from a tree while shopping or donate to your local Red Kettle Drive in his memory.