25 September, 2017
Francis “Phil” Frieh, 81, of Wells, ME, formally of Hopkinton, MA and Cincinnati, OH, passed away peacefully at home Monday, September 11, 2017, surrounded by family and friends following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.
Phil was born June 8, 1936 in Hopkinton, MA, the son of Francis and Agnes (Nee Pyne) Frieh. He grew up in Hopkinton and in 1959 married his beloved wife Mary “Eileen” (Nee Crohan) of Framingham, MA. They settled in Hopkinton to raise their children in the hometown Phil loved so well. Phil and Eileen were blessed with 52 years of marriage before her passing in 2012.
He made a career at Anchor Motor Freight, a contract car hauler for General Motors Corp., advancing through the company to the position of Regional Terminal Manager. Phil was also co-owner/builder/operator of the Windermere Cottages, in York Beach Maine, a business venture he and his family truly enjoyed.
Phil had an intellectually astute curiosity, and his interests spanned human nature, politics, the natural world, science, literature, fine arts, and music. As an avid naturalist and outdoorsman, he inspired his children to see the interconnectedness of life and to treat all beings with reverence and respect. In addition to having beautiful gardens Phil was also skilled in working with stone and wood and created many beautiful works around the homes he lived in. He had many hobbies, and enjoyed hiking, cycling, kayaking, travelling, attending festivals, concerts, movies, and theatre. He and his wife were patrons/supporters of the Sierra Club, the Ensemble Theater of Cincinnati (ETC), and The Mercantile Library, in Cincinnati. Phil always said that in Cincinnati, his heart “would ever be.”
He lived life to the fullest, always proclaiming “Life is Good.” His motto was “Don’t sweat the small stuff – and it’s all small stuff.” For Phil living and sharing life with those whom he loved was simply the greatest and most constant blessing he ever knew.
In addition to his parents and wife, Phil was also predeceased by his daughter, Mary "Little Eileen" Frieh; and his son-in-law, Mathew B. Baker. Phil will be lovingly remembered by his children, daughter Sharon Frieh Rudd and her husband William, of Felicity, OH; daughter Annie Ridener and her husband, Bob, also of Felicity, OH; daughter C. Tigg Frieh (Baker) of Wells, ME; his granddaughter, Megan Ruth Rudd, of Cincinnati, OH; his sister Joanne Kinney, of Northridge, MA; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Friends may visit on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, where a Memorial Service celebrating his life will follow at 3:00 p.m.
Memorial donations in his memory may be made to one of the following organizations:
Alzheimer's Association
225N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17
Chicago, IL 60601-7633.
The Rachel Carson Nature Wildlife Refuge
321 Port Rd.
Wells, ME 04090
Cornerstone NVA
178 Farmington Rd.
Rochester, NH 03867
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Phil’s Book of Memories page at www.bibberfuneral.com.
Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME. www.bibberfuneral.com
