Former Monroe County Executive Tom Frey has died after a battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 80.
Frey had recently moved into the Isaiah House hospice care facility. He died Saturday morning.
Friends and family gathered with Frey last month at St. Michael’s Church in Rochester to celebrate his life, and he met with some of the many political, business and community leaders as well as a variety of other people he’s dealt with over the years.
Frey, a Democrat, served as County Executive for one term in the late 80s and early 90s, and also served in the NYS Assembly representing the 132nd Assembly District from 1972 to 1978.
He was the only Democrat to be elected as county executive. He lost a re-election bid to Republican Bob King.
“It’s very nice have somebody come up to me who I haven’t seen in 8 or 10 years and all of a sudden get in a nice, positive conversation,” Frey told WXXI News in January.
Frey told us last month that he is bothered by the level of acrimony in politics these days, but he’s not cynical and believes that people who want to make a difference should still get involved in the process.
Frey says among the things he’s done that he’s most proud of in the Rochester community, is the development of the El Camino recreational trail in northeast Rochester.
Former Rochester Mayor Bill Johnson remembered his friend, saying even though Frey's term as county executive ended one year before his term as Mayor began, he still relied on his council heavily, due to his experience.
"Tom was a very low key individual. He was not excitable. He was somebody who was levelheaded. I can't really begin to describe the depth of his experience," Johnson told WXXI News.
Johnson went on to say he admired the way Frey spent his final months.
"Not only radiating strength for his friends, but to allow his friends to really come and be with him and to express their love and appreciation for him. I found these last 4 months of his life to be really his greatest legacy, he showed us how to die."
A number of area officials released statements on Frey's death:
They included this statement from Gov. Cuomo:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Tom Frey, a former Monroe County Executive, Assemblyman and great New Yorker. Tom dedicated his life to the service of others and was a strong and principled partner in government during my father's administration. I extend my deepest condolences to Tom’s family, friends and all those who loved him. His leadership, tireless advocacy and commitment to his community will be sorely missed.”
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren released this statement:
"Tom Frey loved his city and county. He was a man of great faith and used the morality of that faith as his guide to public service. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him, but he will live on for having made his community a better place and, for that, we owe him a debt of gratitude."
Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo had this statement:
”Tom Frey will long be remembered for his dedication and service to our community as a member of the Rochester City School District board, the New York State Assembly, the State Board of Regents and as the second Monroe County Executive. We mourn the loss of this great community champion but know that Tom's legacy of improving the lives of Monroe County residents lives on through his staunch support for Monroe Community College and the Greater Rochester International Airport. We offer sincere condolences to the family of Tom Frey.”
State Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle of Irondequoit released this statement:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tom Frey. Tom was a tireless public servant and a passionate advocate for our community. His longstanding legacy of service will forever be remembered by all who call Rochester home. I extend my prayers and sympathies to Tom’s family during this difficult time.”
President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Rochester Fran Weisberg shared this statement:
"Tom Frey personified the best of public service. He was a a true servant leader who loved this community with all his heart and soul!
He was humble, smart, kind and very very gutsy. He was a visionary that believed in pushing the envelope. He did not settle for simple or easy solutions whether it was working on education reform or addressing poverty or inequality of any kind. I loved him and all he stood for. He lived a very full and meaningful life and I will miss him."
Calling hours for Tom Frey will be Sunday, 7 to 9pm and Monday, 2 to 4pm and 6 to 9 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home, 2305 Monroe Avenue.
There will be a Mass on Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Church of the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, 869 North Clinton Avenue.
Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
