Dale F. Frey, 83, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 26, 2016, at home in Weston, CT following a courageous battle with cancer. Born on August 14, 1932 in Manheim, PA, he was the son of the late Franklin William and Mary Adele (Strickler) Frey. Dale was a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College, where he later served as a Trustee and Chairman and supported funding of the college. He received an MBA in Economics and Accounting from New York University.
After college, he went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force. Following the U.S. Air Force, he began his 40 year career at General Electric, beginning in 1957, where he served in many positions, including Vice President and Treasurer from 1980 to 1994, as well as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of General Electric Investment Corporation beginning in 1984. In 1994, he stepped back from his position as Vice President and Treasurer and remained in his positions of General Electric Investment Corporation until he retired in 1997.
After retirement, he dedicated his time to numerous boards, including Yankee Candle Co. Inc., Roadway Express, Aftermarket Technology Corp., Praxair, Inc., and Community Health Systems. He was a member of Aurora Capital’s advisory board, as well as Chairman of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, which he believed fully in. Under his leadership, he raised in excess of $160 million and funded 850 Cancer Researchers. Dale’s passions ran deep, which was seen through his love for his family, friends, his career, and his never ending desire and dedication for helping others.
Dale is survived by his wife of 62-years Betty Ann (Heistand) Frey; his younger brother, John Gilbert Frey, and his wife Verdella, of Manheim, PA; sons, Scott Frey of Easton, CT, Philip Frey, and his wife Elizabeth, of Fredericksburg, TX, and Kyle Frey of Fredericksburg, TX; daughter, Susan Frey of Westport, CT; and his grandchildren Megan and Patrick Frey of Fredericksburg, TX.
Dale F. Frey’s funeral service will be held at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2 South Hazel Street, Manheim, PA., on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, from 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. A celebration of his life will take place at Bent Creek Country Club, 620 Bent Creek Drive, Lititz, PA 17543, from 2:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers in Dale’s memory, please consider a donation to the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation to support the Dale F. Frey Award for Breakthrough Scientists, One Exchange Plaza, Suite 302, New York, New York 10006.