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George Frenn Obituary

FRENN, George
Born in San Fernando, Ca December 26, 1941, passed away in Sacramento June 26, 2006 at the age of 64 years. Survived by his sister, Jeanette Rose, brothers, Robert, Anthony and David Frenn and their families. George was an amateur athlete from 1959 to 1978, appeared on the cover to Sports Illustrated on July 6th, 1970, represented the U.S. at the 1972 Olympics in the hammer throw and held world records in the 35# and 56# weight throws. He recently retired after 32 years teaching science in several California high schools. Friends are welcome to attend Services Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. at ST. GEORGE MELKITE-GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1620 Bell Street, Sacramento, Ca 920-2900. Private interment, St. Mary's Cemetery. Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger, directors 451-7284.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee from Jul. 11 to Jul. 12, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for George Frenn

Sponsored by the Mulford Family.

73 Entries

Joe Onorati

September 5, 2023

Rest in in peace oh great one.

Joe Onorati

September 5, 2023

Joe Onorati

September 5, 2023

Joe Onorati

September 5, 2023

David Smith

December 28, 2022

It is with great sadness that I have recently found George had died and at such a young age.
I meet George at San Fernando High School in 1969. George inspired me to begin weight training.
He was a great mentor that I had the privilege to learn under. Two places we trained was at Bill "Peanuts" West garage gym and the original Gold´s Gym. During one training session at Gold´s Gym in 1969 I saw George free squat 800lbs. I did not realize at the time but I was in the presence of the foundation of Power lifting and witness history in the making.
The influence that George has had on my life is priceless and continual. I am still weight training 53 years later. I am eternally Grateful for the time and effort that George put into mentoring me.

David Smith

Seth Glassman

November 30, 2019

Mr. Frenn was one of my teachers @ Cerritos High School (Class of '91). I enjoyed his teaching style. May he rest in peace.

February 12, 2017

I knew George at Abilene Christian. He was an absolutely great guy. I cherish his memories. The last thing he ever said to me...even when he was struggling on his throws...was "See you at the Nationals." He finally made it!

He is missed

B Ross

August 18, 2016

Mr French was one tough guy. I had George as my gym teacher in Jr high in Sherman Oaks, CA 1969~1970. He was a tough teacher/coach. Had us climbing ropes to the 40' ceiling w/ no safety systems and doing 100 (what he called) jump-squats, all without much training or other physical prep or exercises. I did respect him none the less. He obviously made an impression on me and I think of him every 4 yrs (@ summer Olympic time).

Dave Farel

May 6, 2014

George and I were in Theta Chi at Long Beach State. George had a '53 Olds ragtop painted loud green. RIP George.

Dwight Ash PT

March 18, 2014

I met George at the "dungeon" in Santa Monica in the early 60's and he was an inspiration and a very friendly person. I heartily concur with all the good things said about him, he truly was a class act. RIP George.

Karl Gardea

June 17, 2013

Recently I was searching for weightlifting shoes online and was reminded of George Frenn. I attended Cerritos HS in the late 80's and had the great privilege of being taught OLY Lifts by a true Legend and Gentleman. I credit George with preventing injury to myself in Day to Day lifting and Training by having learned proper technique! As a HS senior I was able to Clean n Jerk then Press more than my bodyweight a feat which earned me a A+ in his PE Class both years. I can Still hear him yelling, "Don't drop the Weights" and to this day I do not...

Every now and then I look for a throwback Strongman Comp on ESPN Classic and hope to see a great and strong Mentor.

Thanks for all the lessons in Life and Lifting, Mr. George Frenn

Jim Hannefield

January 16, 2013

I recently found out that George passed away in 2006. I threw the shot at Long Beach State in the mid 60's. I saw George nearly everyday. He always had some words of encouragement for me and he was an inspiration to us all. On a pound for pound basis, he was by far the strongest man in the world. Rest in peace George. You made a difference.

david brewer

November 19, 2012

Here it is November of 2012 and I am reminded of something I learned from George. Training with George and Roger Estep was a dream come true. Your lessons and name live on.

Linda Heiser-Bechler

May 11, 2012

George and I dated for some time before I married and after my divorce in the late 60's-early 70's. We spent alot of time aggravating Avery Brundage about training facilities for our Olympic Team...without much success. I just found some great photos of us and decided to search for him. Unfortunately, I waited too long...something I will always regret. Just a great guy in every way!

George Parigian Jr.

February 25, 2012

I was lucky enough to meet and train with my powerlifting idol George Frenn. He was friendly, and generous with his time and advice. He inspires me in my training even to this day. RIP George, you were one of our greatest strength athletes. You will be missed!

David Morse

July 29, 2011

George was a great man and teacher. I am very sorry to read that he did not grace the Earth with his presence much longer than he did. He was strict and fair with a great attitude.

D S

July 28, 2011

Thanks Coach! Cerritos High School Track '74

Maija Torikka

May 5, 2011

I met GEORGE in Pemroke Ma. 1967. Took him to Boston he received a medall!!!I guess he fell in love and wanted me to move to LA.. I still have his ten letter page. timing was not right (when is it?)verry special MAN

roger collins

September 27, 2010

George, I'm late again as usual.You lived life to the fullest That tour in 1970 was one of the best times of my life, largely due to you and your insane personality.We will hold your memory as one of the finest.GET UP GEORGE! Roger Collins

I LOST MY COACH WE WILL LIFT IN HEAVEN

CHARLES BRUCE

July 11, 2010

I MET GEORGE AT WIEDERS OFFICE IN 1969--HE TOLD ME TO COME TO WESTSIDE THAT AFTERNOON---I TRAINED THERE 2 WEEKS WITH HIM AND PEANUTS AND THRUBER AND ERNIE DOE--GEORGE WAS USA CHAMP WITH 1970 I HAD 1665 242 CLASS CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS---I LOVED HIM AND PEANUTS I WAS IN SEVERAL MEETS WITH THEM I WAS IN AIR FORCE IN SACRAMENTO---SURE WISHED HE COULD HAVE BEAT COLE--I LOVED HIM MY COACH

Warwick Nicholl

April 20, 2010

I met George in Japan in 1969, we were competing in the hammerthrow for our respective countries at the first Pacific Conference Games.
I have only just learned with great sadness of George's passing. George offered me advice on training during our time together which stood me in good stead for my career as a thrower. What a great guy. I followed his sporting achievements as best I could from afar. My belated sympathies to family and friends.

Warwick Nicholl - New Zealand

George Guccione

January 5, 2010

George and I were roommates in 1966 while at Long Beach State. He taught me how to throw the hammer in 1964 and introduced me to power lifting. He was intense about training, as well as creative. I remember George having me do slow controlled spins on the cinder track to develop correct body position. I remember going to Peanuts Laury's house for a power lifting session. With George's sense of humor, it wasn't hard to make him laugh. I remember waking up to loud snoring. George stood their with a tape recorder, playing back my snoring that I denied I did. There are a million stories about George, but what I will always remember is that he was a good friend, a dedicated athlete, and a caring individual, both on and off the athletic field. George Guccione

Augie Zilincar

June 15, 2009

I trained with George while I competed back in the late 60's. I remember a funny episode when George took me to an "all you can eat" place..I think they were very happy to se us leave!! Also, George had me throw the 56# weight. I said you "gotta" be kidding me but wound up throwing over 40'. He was a great athlete & will be surely missed.

Rob O'Hara

June 9, 2009

George was my weightlifting coach at Cerritos high. I learned more in his class about tolerance, respect, integrity, honesty then in any other class all four years. He will be missed. Rest in peace Mr. Frenn.

Rick Kamakea

November 17, 2008

what the ??? I just searched out my old friend to find he is gone. that sucks. He was my physics classmate in Hayward California and encouraged me to apply at CSU Long Beach. He helped me write a resume and was a personal reference. He went out of his way to be helpful. He was a dedicated science teacher and bought cases (literally) of equipment and supplies for lab experiements, stored in his hallways, patio, wherever, because the district wouldn't or couldn't do it themselves. I never knew a Lebanese person until I met you. I will truly miss you brutha.

barry klonsky

October 19, 2008

I knew George at LB State from '65 to '68..we had many rap sessions about track/hammer throwing though I did neither...I've wondered about George for years and just happened upon his Obituary today...a great guy and a truly dedicated and devoted athlete...rest in peace

Rudy Schaap

October 4, 2008

George's passing caught me by surprise, you want to believe a man like that is indestructible. I met George in the early 1980's and for the next 5-6 years was invited to train with them (George Frenn, Roger Estep, Mike Willis and Elliot Wainer). I moved away and lost touch, but always think about those times and what they all gave to me. To this day I still compete and I have those folks to thank for that. It was truly one of those life experiences you never forget. I know George is up there training with Roger, just like old times. Someday we will all train together again. Rudy

stew thomson

January 27, 2008

George you were the most genuine, honest person I have known. You liked me and I liked you. Thank you for the glorious life.
Stew Thomson

M. C.

December 11, 2007

Mr. Frenn was my science teacher at Cerritos High School. He was the kind of teacher I hope my children have the pleasure of learning from. I enjoyed his class, not because I was a great student of science but because of what he brought to the subject and for what he brought to the classroom. I enjoyed hearing his stories all of which were meant to encourage his student to reach for more in life.

My sincere condolences to the Frenn family

Jason Frenn

October 12, 2007

George was my uncle and lived life to the fullest. It was a joy to watch him become an Olympic athlete. I will always remember the time when I was five and my dad coerced me to tell my uncle George: "Hey George, you're a big cream puff." To this day, my dad still falls off his chair remembering the look on George's face... He'll be missed.

Keith Aulick

October 12, 2007

George was my weight lifting coach at Cerritos High School from 1987 to 1990. He was a great man, mentor and he will be missed. God Bless him.

Robert Frenn

October 11, 2007

George was the youngest of seven brothers. He will always be remembered as a warm and caring person. I am the oldest of the remaining brothers and think of him everyday. I wish to thank everyone who took the time to offer some words to his memory. Myself, my brothers Anthony and David, as well as our sister Jeanette pass on our kindest regards.

David Frenn

September 28, 2007

I'll miss my younger brother, George. It's hard to believe he's gone. David Frenn

Anthony Frenn & Family

September 23, 2007

We have just recently become aware of the Guest Book for our brother George. We were so impressed by the kind words and sentiments of those who responded, that we felt we should reply. The Frenn family wants to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all those whose lives were touched by George throughout the years. There is no greater thrill for a teacher than to be a positive impact on another person and watch that person grow and achieve his or her dreams.The Family decided the best way to honor George was to donate his medals and awards to his beloved Alma Mater, Long Beach State University. This, my wife and I did on 2/26/2007. Ms Dede Rossi, Asst. Athletic Director and Andy Sythe, Head Track Coach accepted on behalf of the University. They were very much appreciative of our gift, and promised to display them in a prominent location.
Again, our sincere thanks to all of those whose kind thoughts were expressed in the Guest book for George Frenn.

John Birty

February 16, 2007

I never met George but starting to lift at age 14 in the mid 60s, I started to buy and cunsume the info in stength and health, Muscle Builder power, and the rest of the publication. George Frenn was one I followed to make myself stronger.I heard about the news in Dave Drapers news letter and have gone back and pulled some of the mags that I kept.Along with George and the Greats of the 50's 60's both in power lifting and bodybuilding made me realize why, in my 50,s I'm still pushing myself to be better in health and strength. These guys like Geoge and others have been the inspiration people like me need to keep on going the limits training. George is one of those guys you will never forget.
John R. Birty
Pittsburgh, Pa

Mike Sherrill

October 31, 2006

A Ledgend. Saw him at Manchester, CT in the 1980's Throwing the 56 Lb Weight. Yikes.

Respects to the Frenn family....

Chris O'Brien

October 23, 2006

Long Live the memory of george Frenn. From the hammer throw to the squat rack......an inspiration to many for years.With me, starting in my formative years George was my inspiration.

Ken Havenstrite

September 10, 2006

George you will be missed. Thanks for all the inspiration.

Frank Signorile

September 2, 2006

A true giant of strength. I remember reading about him in the sixties and seventies. One of my true inspirations along with Pat Casey, and Paul Anderson. All gone now.

Clarence Bass

August 27, 2006

I never met George, but his 853 squat sure got my attention and respect.

David Badovinac

August 23, 2006

In about 1996, my son and I were at Sac State. My son was throwing Hammer. I noticed a guy drive up and sat there watching us . . . this was unusual to say the least. Finally he got out of his car and came over and struck up a conversation.

He introduced himself and told us he was a teacher at a nearby school. He said he was driving by and when he saw us out there (we were all alone that day) and he decided to stop by and chat.

I knew who he was, but he never mentioned anything about him having been a hammer thrower in the Olympics. He watched the throwing and we chatted for a while and then he left.

Later, just before we left Sac State, he came back and gave us a box of some of his old training implements. We still have all of the things he gave us.

I only met him that once, but like so many throwers, he was a warm and friendly fellow.

Jerry Welcher

August 23, 2006

George Frenn was truly an inspiration to me when I began powerlifting in the mid 1960s as a college student. My training partners and I employed his training techniques to get the most out of our lifting for the many competitive years to follow. I never had the privledge of knowing George or watching him lift, but the published photo of him squatting 853 @ 242 served to inspire me for many years to come and became ingrained in my mind forever. My sincere condolences go out to the Frenn family.

Tom Fahey

August 19, 2006

I met George in Long Beach while training with the Army team at Long Beach State in 1970. I was impressed by his intensity and explosiveness. He seemed like a genuinely good guy.

TONY CONKLE

August 18, 2006

I KNEW GEORGE EARLY ON IN FACT I WAS THROWING THE SHOT ABOUT 20FT BEYOND GEORGE HIS YELL WAS BETTER THAN HIS THROW THEN HE MET HAL CONNOLLY AND THE HAMMER AND BILL WEST AND THE BOX SQUAT THAT AND HIS OBSESSION MADE HIM A GREAT CHAMPION MAY HE REST IN PEACE

Ernie Gilbert

August 16, 2006

George, your a true legend in track and powerlifting.

Mike Boyd

August 15, 2006

When I was a teen ager, George took me and a buddy to a big track meet at East LA JC in the late 60's. Because my dad was a track coach in the Valley, he'd heard of George. George was a real nice guy. A real normal, almost gentle guy. I'm 50 and I remember it to this day.

Tom Pagani

August 10, 2006

George,

Way back in 1959 we met when you told me you wanted to learn to throw the hammer. I think I was the first to say, "put your left hand in first, and then your right on top of it, into the hammer handle." You took it a lot further than I ever did and I was happy to be a part of your career. No one ever doubted your enthusiasm or love of sport. I'll always remember those times.

Tom Pagani

Alan Golding

August 7, 2006

I bet everyone has a George story. I only knew him for a short time and I have a couple. I went to Long Beach State for a semester in the fall of 1977. I wanted to start throwing the hammer. I would go out to the field on Saturday mornings and throw. Well one day There was george. I guess you either liked him or didn't. I liked him. I think that first day he gave me a pair of used hammer shoes. I didn't care that they were used. A little shoe goo..... I used those for over a year. I wish I still had them. Another day, I was all twisted up. My back was screwed. But I still went on that Saturday morning. Just to watch. George asked me in that gruff way he had, "How come you aren't throwing?" I told him. He said follow me. He laid me down on a bench and cracked my back and hips sixteen ways from Sunday. I stood up and was cured. Then another day Harold Connolly was throwing the weight in the shot put ring. "Come with me. I want you to meet someone." He took me over and introduced me to Mr. Connolly. Walking away he told me, "You just met a legend." I understood. Even though it was only a few months, I have remembered it these past years. Thanks George.

David Harrington

August 2, 2006

George Frenn was my favorite powerlifter. I am saddened to hear of his passing.

When I began weight-training in the early 70's, I read about him in Strength & Health and Muscle Builder/Power magazines. George had squatted a world record 853 lbs (386.9 kilos) in the 242 pound class which exceeded his own superheavyweight record of 819 pounds (371.49 kilos)! Frenn also held world records in the deadlift and total. He was an Olympian and competed in the Hammer Throw. He held world records in the 35 lb and 56 pound weight throws. I was very impressed by his accomplishments, especially the fact that he was able to exceed superheavyweight records as a 242 pounder. Frenn became my favorite powerlifter. I read all I could about him and how he trained. On the wall of my home gym I kept a picture of Frenn squatting his record 853 pounds for inspiration. I began doing "High Box Squats" popuarized by Frenn which really propelled my squat strength to where I could squat near triple bodyweight as a teenager. When I read that jazz artist Errol Garner was Frenn's favorite musician, I began listening to jazz too. I figured if George listened to jazz then it must be cool. Later I began going to jazz concerts and have seen many top artists like Miles Davis, Louie Bellson, Wynton Marsalis and others which in turn lead to me learning to play the trumpet. So George Frenn was a major inspiration and influence for me as a youth. May he rest in peace.

My condolences to his family and friends.

Dave Murphy

July 25, 2006

I first met George in the mid 60's while he was a student a LB State. Interesting guy, to say the least! I learned a life lesson from him that stays with me to this day. At some point George had broken his leg, I think, throwing the Weight. He was in a cast and obviously could not throw, squat or dead lift. Instead of getting down on himself and doing nothing, he decided to work hard on his bench pressing. He improved greatly. I learned that when life throws you a curve ball, adjust and focus on what you can.

Great lesson especially as I age.

Dave Murphy

GARY DRIGO

July 22, 2006

I WISH TO EXPRESS MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FRENN FAMILY.I KNOW GEORGE IS IN HEAVEN AT THE SQUAT RACKS IN THE SKY.HE INSPIRED ME TO BE A WORLD CHAMPION IN POWERLIFTING AND TO BE THE BEST I COULD BE.I TRULY APRECIATE HIS ADVICE AND HELP WITH ME.I COULD NOT HAVE WON THE 220 TITLE WITHOUT HIS HELP/GUIDENCE.

GARY DRIGO/1989 APF 220 WORLD CHAMPION

Dr. Ernie Hackett

July 20, 2006

Your presence was as strong as your ability to squat. Your are one of those that all lifters looked toward for the answers to strength and athleticism.

Jay McKeen

July 18, 2006

You were an inspiration to many.

Bill Green

July 18, 2006

Too often claimed and rarely realized, a legend is a person of unparalleled feats that may later be broken, but never duplicated in how they were accomplished for their time. George Frenn is one of these few.

For me a captivating, although an often (even he would readily admit) aggravating presence early on as a hammer thrower, George was an influence like no other. As time evolved he became a true mentor in the intricate game of fitness and strength, and a valued ally in the difficult ultimate game of winning. I will never forget hearing that shrill voice wafting over the crowd noise in the Olympic qualifying round in 1984, straining to make out a face in the crowd, and recognizing one of the few people who really knew what it was like for an American hammer thrower in the Olympics.

Not always understood, but always respected...George you will truly be missed.

Jud Logan

July 18, 2006

I competed against George in only one 35 lb weight meet, he was at the end of his career and I was 23.

He won.........My coach, Al Schoterman was an Olympic Teammate of George. (1972) The stories lived on then and will continue as long as there are people to listen.

jason

July 18, 2006

Always a pleasure to see him compete in anything he did.

Elliott Wainer

July 18, 2006

I met George in high school,"1977". He was my 11th grade history teacher.He took me under his wing and we trained in hammer throwing & lifting for 11 years, along w/Roger Estep.Years later we would train together from time to time.

George was a coach,training partner,friend & at times a big brother to me and to others.

It was the very best of years.

George,God bless you for you will be missed.

We'LL see you in the next life.

Cindy Stinger

July 18, 2006

We have been blessed by your company and inspired by your acts! Your standard and commitment to excellence have always been Olympian - in preparation and in result, we will always remember you for that.

Paul Ward

July 17, 2006

George and I started throwing the hammer in Southern California at about the same time.

George was one of the most tenacious and hard working athletes I have known. The results he achieved in Hammer Throwing and Power Lifting are demonstrative of the truth of this statement.

Rest in Peace!

Louie Simmons

July 17, 2006

it is with deep regret the passing of George Frenn. He was a teacher and motivator of mine in the 1960's and the early 70's. He inspired me with his lifting, throwing, and most of all his knowledge he freely passed on in the old Muscle Powerbuilder magazine. Before George Frenn there was no one like him, and after his passing there will never be another like him.

Bert Sorin

July 17, 2006

You were a legend in the sport I love. Thank you for what you did for American hammer throwers. Rest in Peace.

Ed Arcaro

July 15, 2006

Your life had a powerful impact on many people around the world, including me. You will not be forgotten.

David Shaw

July 14, 2006

Thank you for the memories and inspiration. You will not be forgotten.

Douglas Wood

July 14, 2006

My father and I (both still lifting) went to see George in an AAU meet, in Bakersfield, in the late 60s. I was so impressed in his skills and humility. He was always an inspiration to thousands of us lifters. I will always remember that track meet, because I got to see this great Hammer thrower.

Ron Fernando

July 13, 2006

George, you were a true legend, and one way ahead of your time. You made unbeliveable sacrifices for the honor of representing your country. May your records always be held in the highest esteem and your memory never fade.

Robert Herrick

July 13, 2006

A legend. Rest in peace.

Bruce MacDonald

July 12, 2006

You were an inspiration to many young lifters like me back in the early 60's. You personified drive and determination when you lifted. Will never forget the first time I saw you attacking your lifts at the Embassy in 1965.

I'm 61 and still lift and throw the shot in Masters and I owe a lot of my continued drive to you because you refused to quit. Rest in peace George.

Sports Illustrated July 6, 1970

July 12, 2006

Dave and Laree Draper

July 12, 2006

Rest in peace, George.

Harold Connolly

July 12, 2006

I will always remember giving you your first hammer and watching you work harder and perhaps sacrifice more than any other athlete I've known to attain the renown you achieved as an athlete. You were a cherished friend. I will never forget the good times we had together.

Gordon Santee

July 12, 2006

George was a true athlete and will always be remembered as a friend and fellow powerlifter. When he departed, I’m sure he got three white lights from the judges.

Bill Ennis

July 12, 2006

You were a true Powerlifting Legend and friend that I had the privilege of knowing for over 25 years. Rest in Peace.

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