John P. Jack" Frey

LOCK HAVEN - John P. "Jack" Frey passed away Tuesday April 17th 2007 at the Lock Haven Hospital after an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna M (Leader) Frey who passed away in 1980. Frey is survived by a son, Jeffrey of Dubois, PA; a daughter, Barbara Weaver of Lancaster, PA; his sister, Martha E. Motel of Lock Haven; and 3 grandchildren: Shana Frey, Christopher Weaver, and Nathan Weaver also two nephews. He was born April 6, 1928 in Bellefonte, PA. The son of the late John Z and Lulu R (Palmer) Frey, of Lock Haven He graduated from the Bellefonte High School in 1946. He attended the Pennsylvania State University, at University Park. While there he began his career as a photographer, working for the School of Agriculture. He also attended the Lock Haven Teachers College and Kent State University in Ohio. He was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard. He was a combat veteran of the Korean War where he served as a radioman in the Headquarters Company, 56th Amphibious Tank and Tractor Battalion. After the war, Frey went to work for Piper Aircraft, in Lock Haven, as a draftsman in the engineering department. In 1958, he left Piper and went to work as the photographer for the Lock Haven Express newspaper. During his time at the Express, he earned numerous photojournalism awards from the Associated Press, United Press International, and state and local organizations for his photographic work. Over the years, he also contributed many photos of school and sporting events to the Lock Haven High School Gazette yearbook. In 1976, the Gazette staff dedicated the yearbook to Mr. Frey for his support. Also while working at the Express he served as the official weather observer for the National Weather Service. He also operated Frey Photographic Services from his home. After 23 years at the Express, he left in 1981 and went back to Piper aircraft. He worked as a draftsman in the avionics department until the plant closed in 1983. Afterwards he worked for Davis Real Estate as a maintenance man. He also began Frey Services which provided maintenance and repair services to the local community. He also worked part-time for the Helt Funeral Chapel He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1630, Lock Haven, where he served as Post Chaplain from 1993 until his death. He was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, lodge 182. He was a life member of the Citizens Hose Company #5, Lock Haven and a member of the Central District Volunteer Fireman's Association. As a member of the La Societe des Quarante Hommes at Huit Chevaux (40 & 8), Post 803, her served in the Office of Conducteur. He was a cofounder of the Clinton County Volunteer Emergency Squad. He served on the Red Cross Disaster Committee and the local Flood Warning Committee. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and a past president of the Catholic Home School Association. He enjoyed meeting with friends at the Kentucky Fried Chicken Coffee Club. His hobbies included woodworking, reading, and working on the computer. Memorial contributions can be made to the S.P.C.A., 33 Mill Hill, Lock Haven, PA 17745. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 A.M. Monday, April 23, 2007 at Immaculate Conception Church, 310 W. Water St., Lock Haven with Fr. Daniel O'Neill officiating. Friends and relatives will be received Sunday from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. at the Helt Funeral Chapel, 232 Hogan Blvd., Mill Hall. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery with military honors.