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Bart Frye Obituary
Born to Don Barton Frye, Sr. and Lucille Reed Frye, Bart is survived by his wife, Abigail; his daughter, Stephanie (John) Miles; grandsons, William Miles and John Bennett Miles; sister, Patricia Goheen; nieces and nephews Katherine Edwards, Brian (Andrea) Quigley, Linda (Douglas) Smith, Michelle (Jack) Pelkey, Cynthia (Jeffrey) Nichols, Michael Hall, Bart (Amy) Quigley, and many great nieces and nephews, godchildren, his team at Frye Properties, and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Susan (Garry) Hall.
Growing up in Alexandria, VA, he was an avid baseball and basketball player, meeting his mentor, Coach Gus Panagos and his lifetime best friend, Raymond Fraley through these sports. Bart went on to Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia and continued playing both baseball and basketball, while earning a Bachelor of Science degree. Following graduation from Randolph Macon, Bart attended Syracuse University earning a master's degree in public administration from the Maxwell School.
His degree in public administration and love of redevelopment and public-private partnerships first took him to the Tidewater area of Virginia. Serving as Director of Program Development at the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority from 1966-1970, Bart was instrumental in assembling land to expand both Eastern Virginia Medical School and Norfolk State University, redevelopment efforts for Ghent and Brambleton, the Chrysler Museum, Waterside, and other projects supporting the city of Norfolk.
Bart continued to support and grow the Tidewater area serving as Executive Director of Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority from 1970 to 1978. Leading community development and housing programs, Bart played key roles in the conservation of the Old Towne neighborhood, development of the City Hall complex, Harbor Tower, and key waterfront development including the Norfolk- Portsmouth pedestrian ferry service.
In 1978, Bart formed D. B. Frye and Associates, Inc., a real estate development and management firm based in Norfolk, Virginia. He later expanded to Frye Properties which now includes real estate development, construction, management, and sales. Known best for his role in the development of East Beach on the Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk, Virginia, and Cavalier Residences in Virginia Beach as part of the renovation for the historic Cavalier hotel complex, Bart continually worked through partnerships to build lasting legacies that will endure for generations to come.
Over the years Bart was grateful for the dedicated support of numerous employees, including Ike, Margaret, Adam, Starkey, Bryan, Rock, Jeff, April, Allie, and the entire Frye Properties team.
In addition to his business and community activities, Bart was a man of many interests including playing polo, running marathons, UVA sports, Wareing's Gym, and most importantly time with friends and family. He loved spending time at his farm surrounded by his canine and equine family members, especially his beloved dog, Gus.
Bart's love of land lead him to purchase Alpha Omega Farm in 1974. This later became the home of the Virginia Beach Polo Club founded in 1987. Virginia Beach Polo Club team members play games on Sunday evenings in the summer and have hosted countless events over the years supporting area charities. Bart's love of polo also extended to the Aiken Polo Club and Palm Beach Polo.
Among his many professional affiliations, Bart served on the boards of TowneBank, Virginia Beach Agricultural Advisory Commission, Greater Norfolk Corporation, and Festevents, as well as serving as a guest lecturer teaching real estate development for the University of Virginia's School of Law and Darden School of Business for many years.
A Memorial Mass will be held on August 23rd at 1 pm, St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Virginia Beach, Virginia. A reception for friends and family will follow. A private burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to local charities supporting the growth of families and communities in the Tidewater area in Bart's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bart Frye
Sponsored by the family.
Christina Brennell
February 17, 2024
A man of excellence
Of you had dream, he would show you the way... the best way.
RIP Great and faithful one. You left us your heart
God Speed
Lance Jackson
February 3, 2024
I worked for Bart for 2 years and was impressed by his calm demeanor and wisdom. He earned the respect of everyone around him and had a way of making folks feel comfortable in his company. He will be sorely missed. My prayers are with his family and many friends. Rest in peace, Bart.
Susan Fader Manaskie
September 11, 2023
I was privileged to be part of Bart"s East Beach team. He was one of a kind in the best way!
Nancy Hobday
August 29, 2023
He was an amazing man, I worked for him for a short period of time. You couldn't have asked for a better person to be close to. So kind to everyone he met, I don't think he ever knew a stranger.
To all of his family my sincere condolences.
Nancy K Hobday
L A Bourdette
August 26, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about Bart's passing. I had the fortune of knowing him as my ex employer and also as a friend. Bart was a great man and I don't say that lightly. Always willing to help those that needed a hand and always there working next to you not matter what you were doing. He was a force to be reckoned with.
I will miss his wisdom and his presence.
I am sure he will be resting in Heaven now. Hopefully we will meet again, Bart.
Grover Nash
August 24, 2023
Abby, I'm so very sorry to hear of You loss and of his family's loss. He was an amazing man. I only met him once when you were married. I pray for you and I prayed for your family and his family that you all have the comfort and peace of the Lord God. Take care.
Lequran Muhammad
August 24, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mary Fagan
August 23, 2023
The Man, the Myth, the Legend...Bart embodied it all. So honored to have worked for you at East Beach. Thank you for the opportunity. Your legend will live on.
Ann Ayre
August 23, 2023
An incredible man whose compassion and love of his animals will never be forgotten..rest in peace Bart
Catherine Sassone Uhrin
August 23, 2023
Bart was an amazing friend and mentor. I was so fortunate to be a part of his team and his vision. He put so much heart and thoughtfulness in to everything he did. He leaves behind such an amazing legacy for us to remember him by. My heart goes out to Abby, Stephanie and the boys. He was a one of a kind gentleman and will be so sorely missed.
Vanessa M Brown
August 22, 2023
To Bart Frye, thank you for hiring my company Vanity Bowl Cleaning Service in 2013. Thank you allowing me and Khandi to take care of your properties for you. REST IN HEAVEN Mr. Frye!!! Thank you that warm hug you gave me. After my fall, that made me feel great and especially coming from you. I will miss seeing you in your office sitting at your desk. When I come to the office. Thank you Vanessa M Brown and Khandi Williams.
Julie Howard
August 22, 2023
Stephanie, John, Will and Ben we offer you our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Love Tom, Julie, Leanna, Thomas, Jon-Paul and Ellin
Manus McMillian
August 22, 2023
I'm so sorry for your loss. I didn't personally know Bart, but a close friend and business associate of mine, Dean Bray, III was friends with Bart and he was telling me of his passing. He spoke very highly of Bart and was saddened by him leaving far too soon. You are in our thought and prayers. May God bless and comfort you.
Manus McMillian
Jim Quigley
August 22, 2023
Bart,
I enjoyed the last few years that we sat side by side cheering Lindsay on during his baseball games. And going back to 66th street when I helped with the purchase and then you let me construct some bedrooms on the third floor. Little did I know then that you would become the successful owner of Frye Properties.
Carolyn Gerace
August 20, 2023
Our family has lived next door to Bart for just shy of 30 years. I think one of the things that made Bart the happiest was his horses. Bart took such pride in the Alpha Omega Polo Club and Farm. I will miss standing at my kitchen window, watching him drive by on the golf cart checking on his horses with that enormous smile and such affection. He was a very meticulous, dedicated, and generous man and it showed in everything he did. Thank you Bart for being such a great friend, neighbor and voice to so many. Rest peacefully with our heavenly Father.
Connie Weisberg
August 20, 2023
Thank you for all the lifetime great work Bart. Also, thank you for all the business you sent our way. You will be missed.
Debbie Dear
August 19, 2023
I am very sad to hear this - Bart was very kind and encouraging to me when I came to him for advice when I was starting my Vanguard Landing project - he spread all of my ideas and plans all over his desk and encouraged me and told me to go for it and that it was a wonderful idea! He invited my family to a polo match and gave us a keepsake that day- I told him that my vision for my project would be East Beach meets Pungo and he smiled! My thoughts and prayers are with his family
William Randy Wright
August 19, 2023
Bart there was 2 visionaries who did the impossible turned 100 acres of land from a delta to the most important piece of property in all of Hampton Roads. It was very difficult to accomplish, it has become the Mona Lisa of the impossible you will be missed but East Beach will always stand for what we had in store "I was so pleased the two of us had the guts and the got the public to support us, godspeed. We did it.
Kenny Rhodes Kenny's Electric Inc
August 19, 2023
One of the most honest and never met a stranger person .,I worked for him
for over 25 years thru Frye Properties as well as at the farm for him personally. He lived life to the fullest and will be missed.
Cole Trower
August 17, 2023
My sympathies to Bart's family. He was a kind and generous man that did great things for our community. I remember (trying..I could not drive stick) to drive his vintage car years ago from the Polo Farm to the Neptune Festival. What a genuine and kind man who did great things for our community.
Christina Adams
August 17, 2023
My heart is broken. The finest man and leader I have ever known. So good to his employees and so dedicated to his businesses. He will be sorely missed by all. Much love to the families, Tina Adams
John L Woods
August 16, 2023
Bart was the guy that first pitched my family on the Cavalier Residences project in Virginia Beach. Many developers once a project is completed are never seen again. Bart and his company continued to be a large part of the Cavalier Residences community. Bart was a friend and he was a guy I had the utmost trust knowing that a handshake meant something. Rest In Peace Bart. John L Woods
Jennifer Long
August 16, 2023
I was Barts Polo groom for years and he was inspirational in me being able to play. He is gone too soon. So much more to do. He did a mean Swag (;
Jennifer Long
Rebecca Kelly
August 16, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Bart was inspirational man who brought out the best in his friends and employees. He had a profoundly beneficial impact on our family and we are forever grateful.
Eva Teig Hardy
August 16, 2023
Bart and I started our careers in Portsmouth on the redevelopment and preservation of downtown, and several older neighborhoods. We remained friends for 50 years. His accomplishments continued throughout his life as he built communities in Hampton Roads and the south. He was an exceptional builder and deeply cared about the work he did. He leaves a Hampton Roads a much better place !
Kona Gray
August 16, 2023
Bart will always be one of the best in our industry. As a client, he always encouraged excellence, as a friend, he always cared deeply and as a mentor, he always shared advice to benefit you professionally and personally. During the years planning The Cavalier, his collaboration and openness to share ideas contributed to one of our firms most memorable designs. We are so proud to have been a part of the Team that saved the Legacy. I will cherish the positive impact from Bart and his kind family forever. He definitely left a remarkable impression. Most sincere condolences to all his family and friends. Kona Gray, EDSA.
Bruce L Thompson
August 15, 2023
Not surprising that Barts heart grew tired as he put his whole heart into everyone and everything he loved . He gave 110 percent always and left nothing on the field ! Get some rest my friend you deserve it !
Barclay Winn
August 15, 2023
Bart was a visionary and an astute businessman and developer, but more importantly he was an honorable man and a loyal friend. Bart´s legacy will remain in our minds forever. Above all Bart was a good man.
Michael Fabrizio MD
August 15, 2023
Bart Frye was a dear friend and a dear friend of our practice. He was gentleman with whom you could trust and admire. He gave me and indeed many of us great advice and helped our practice serve the patients of Hampton Roads in our current location. He will be missed but not forgotten. Abby, Steph and all of his family/friends, we are sorry for your loss and will always remember his many contributions to our community.
Johnny Lawson
August 15, 2023
Bart was a great friend and Partner for over 40 years. Always a deep thinker, full of life and the consummate gentleman. Abby, Steph and the many family and friends, please know how much our hearts break for you but we rejoice in our love and admiration for Bart.
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