Douglas Edward Frey

Douglas Edward Frey, 87, of Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully at home on Monday December 10, 2018, surrounded by family including his wife of 63 years, Helen “Betsy” Frey. 

Doug was born in Easton, PA to the late Quintus Asher and Gladys Seifert Frey, and spent his formative years in Newton, NJ. Growing up in Newton, Doug developed a love of wrestling, a sport that greatly shaped his life. While attending Newton High School, he was a two-time NJ state wrestling champion, a runner-up his sophomore year, and competed at the 1948 AAU championships. Doug was recruited to wrestle for Pennsylvania State University, where along with his twin brother Don, he played a significant role on Penn State’s undefeated National Championship team of 1953, the first eastern wrestling team to win a national championship. He was also a proud member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and Air Force ROTC. After graduating with a BS in Physical Education in 1954, Doug entered the United States Air Force and headed to Texas for pilot training. A year later, he married his high school sweetheart, Betsy Ward. Doug rose to the rank of Captain before completing his USAF service in 1957, and then went on to graduate from the School of Physical Therapy at the University of Pennsylvania.

Doug served as Chief of Physical Medicine at University of Pennsylvania Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia for over 30 years. During this time, he also worked at Drexel University, serving as Head Athletic Trainer for 32 years, and Head Wrestling Coach for 10 years. His 35 years of service as an athletic trainer is the longest in Drexel’s history. As head coach, he had an impressive record of 114-23. His teams were undefeated on two occasions, won three Middle Six Wrestling Championships, and never had a losing record. Doug was truly blessed to have loved every aspect of his work.

Doug was honored to be inducted into the Drexel University Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Sussex County Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. 

Doug will be fondly remembered as a humble, hardworking family man of strength and integrity, a friend to all, father figure to many. He was a coach, mentor, healer, and role model. Doug loved people, young and old. He expected your best and led by example. A man of his word, he never thought twice about helping others. Doug’s legacy extends far beyond his family and he will be sadly missed by many.  His family has found comfort in knowing he is at peace and reunited with his twin brother and other siblings.

Doug’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to friends and family for their love and support. They would also like to extend their sincere thanks to the many compassionate Hospice team members of Allied Services Hospice for their care and guidance through this difficult time.

He is survived by his loving wife Betsy Frey; their four children, daughter, Kate Frey of Collegeville, PA; daughter, Karolyn and husband Emil Everett of East Hampton, NY; daughter, Kristin and husband Tom Peters of McLean, VA; son, Jeffrey and wife Kimberly Frey of Lancaster, PA; and ten grandchildren, Kevin, Ryan and Matthew Frey, Kara, Reece, Dana and Shea Peters and Colton, Dylan and Hayden Everett, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members. 

Doug was also preceded in death by his twin brother Donald Frey, who passed on November 6, 2018, his brother Paul and wife Gladys Frey, sister Joan Dunker, and brother Jack Frey.  

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 5th from 2-5 PM at the Brennan & Brennan Funeral Home, Inc., 55 Lincoln Avenue, Carbondale. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Alzheimer’s took Doug’s memory and ultimately his life but not his love! In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in his memory to the annual Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser co-chaired by his daughter, Kate at www.crowdrise.com/kateefrey

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas Edward Frey, please visit our floral store.