Obituary of Robert A. Frey

On November 24th, 2021, Robert A. Frey, aged 84, of Vestal Center New York, went home to be with his Lord and to reunite in loving spirit with Rosemary, his wife of 52 years. They were predeceased by their parents, Elmer and Catherine Frey and Homer and Doris Imes. Robert and Rosemary are survived by their children, Daniel, Amber and Rebecca. Robert was a Vestal High School alumni who graduated with honors in 1955. He attended Rochester Institute of Technology, earning his Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked for IBM in Endicott until his retirement, followed by adjunct professor work with Binghamton University. Robert was an active member of the Vestal Center United Methodist Church for over 40 years, working extensively with the Methodist Youth Fellowship group, Boy Scouts, and Methodist Men. He also participated as a Lay Speaker and sang in the church choir alongside his wife and friends. He organized many youth group activities, including several canoe trips on local rivers, campouts, musical events, neighborhood cleanups and many other community events. He was active in many charities, chief among them being Habitat for Humanity, helping to rebuild communities following Hurricane Hugo and other natural disasters. Dad was involved with many other projects closer to home. Assisted by friends and family, he designed and built our garage and remodeled the family home. He was rarely without his tool belt. He worked on various repairs and construction projects with the Vestal Center United Methodist Church, was involved with constructing the original Grace Lutheran Church on Main Street in Vestal, and assisted in the rebuilding of the giant pipe organ at the Forum Theatre in Binghamton. Dad loved to work with his hands, and always seemed to be tinkering with something mechanical or electrical in nature, including our cars, appliances and home stereo system. He was always making something interesting. The ingenious sound and light generator system, which he designed and built in the 60s, is still in use every Halloween, to the delight of Trick or Treaters young and old. Our house is filled with the things he made and touched. He had a love for model railroading, model planes, cats, classical music, churchlife, nature, history, gardening, and Mom's cooking. We love you and miss you, Dad. Thankyou for always being there for us. You and Mom were truly the best parents any kids ever had. Robert Frey's Memorial service will be held on January 15th at 1:00 pm at the Vestal Center United Methodist Church located at 478 West Hill Road in Vestal Center NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity or Vestal Center United Methodist Church.