Thomas Edgar Frey, husband, father, artist
Thomas Edgar Frey, 86, of Dagsboro, crossed over the veil and returned to his real home Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, after a short illness. He was born Oct. 22, 1937.
Tom is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia (Pat) Willett Frey; and three children, son, Michael J. Frey; son, Christopher J. Frey (Kimberly Hudson Frey); and daughter, Sonja M. Frey. Also surviving are four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, Richard A. Frey; and sister-in-law Jeannette Quillen Frey, widow of his deceased brother, Gerald (Jerry) E. Frey. Tom was also preceded in death by his parents, Helen M. Powell Frey and Russell W. Frey.
After a career with his father and brother Jerry in their service station businesses, in 1987, Tom began a second career in woodturning. Tom’s innate and learned skills were quickly recognized by numerous awards. Tom’s vessels were purchased and collected by many individuals and corporations. Vessels were purchased by the U.S. Department of State as diplomatic gifts during the Obama and Biden administrations. Tom and Pat traveled the country for 27 years showing and selling his turned vessels. Warm welcomes everywhere were a testament to who they were, as well as a testament to who the American people are.
Tom was a member and juried craftsman of Delaware By Hand, and a member of the Rehoboth and Milford art leagues, and the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. In 2015, the curator of Biggs Museum entered Tom’s vessel from its permanent collection of contemporary decorative arts into the prestigious Mingei International Museum in San Diego, Calif., as part of its exhibition Made in America: Craft Icons of the 50 States. None of Tom’s work in the arts gave him more pleasure and pride than being a founding and active member of the Southeastern Delaware Artists Studio Tour.
Nature generally, but trees and forests in particular, were Tom’s spiritual haven. Over their 61 years, Tom and Pat created the loving home of their dreams, their haven from the world. The kids say, “Dad would never leave the house if he didn’t have to get food!” The family is so appreciative and grateful for all the prayers, love, and support of family and friends during Tom’s illness.
The Frey family will be forever grateful for the excellent professional and compassionate care of the critical care staff at Bayhealth Medical Center Sussex Campus (the nursing staff went above caring and professionalism) and Delaware Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in Tom’s honor can be given to those care centers at bayhealth.org/foundation/ways-to-give/donate and/or delawarehospice.org/donate/memorial-gifts.
