John Kenneth Frey
Stockton - John passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Medical Center on January 4, 2021 at the age of 75.
John is survived by his wife of 53 years Christine, his identical twin brother Rick Frey (Jani), his daughters Shelley Dini (Benny) and Julie Haas (David), and granddaughters Mackenzie and Ava Haas, whom he adored, his brother-in-law James Olson (Pam), and sister-in law Roslyn Silver. He was an uncle to Douglas Frey (Amy), Gregory Frey (Martina), John Frey (Jenny), Adric Olson (Jessica), and Sky Olson (Rachel). As well as grand-uncle to Theo and Andrew Frey, Helena Frey, James, John and Ricky Frey and Bennett Olson.
John was born April 19, 1945 in Los Angeles, CA to Donald and Ruth Frey and raised in Santa Clara, CA where he was active in the church and scouting. Having graduated from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA in 1967 with a BS in Biology, he went on to get his secondary teaching credential in 1968 followed by a Masters Degree in Biology from UOP in 1976. His Masters research project lead to the publishing of a textbook with W. Michael Kaill, Environments in Profile, an Aquatic Perspective.
There is no question that John was born to teach and never wanted to miss a day in the classroom. He taught high school biology for 35 years, first at Franklin High School and then at Lincoln High School, both in Stockton, CA. His team-taught biology, based upon a laboratory core curriculum, which he used throughout his teaching career, was recognized by the State of California as exemplary. John was honored by Lincoln Unified School District in 1993 with the Award of Excellence for service to Students and Colleagues. Many students may remember John's beloved black lab Mac who attended Lincoln High, and was known for taking the attendance sheets to the administration office.
Through his own battle with cancer in 1976, he had a passion for helping others faced with this disease including students who had cancer or were grieving for loved ones affected. He had an "open door" policy whether in his office at school or at home. He was always available for tutoring, going to lunch, sending cards, visiting a student, friend or colleague at home or in the hospital. He was a volunteer at St. Joseph's Medical Center visiting patients on the cancer units and also helping to organize the many events that the Cancer Center provides.
He loved people and made friends wherever he went. Everyone enjoyed his wit, sarcasm, and sense of humor. John loved his "girls" and was an amazing husband, dad and papa. He will be greatly missed, always loved and never forgotten.
A private Graveside Service will be held at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery in Lodi, CA on January 29th. As requested by John, a party in his honor will be planned when it is safe to be together.
Condolences, memories and pictures can be sent online to Deyoungshorelinechapel.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of John may be made to either: Frey Family Cancer Support Fund c/o St. Joseph's Foundation, 1800 N. California, Stockton CA, 95204 (www.STJosephsCares.org/Donate) or Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton CA, 95204 (www.hospicesj.org/contribute).

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Published by The Record from Jan. 15 to Jan. 24, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Frey

Sponsored by DeYoung Shoreline Chapel.

7 Entries

Marilyn Glaser

January 10, 2024

I got a notice in my e-mail from legacy.com reminding me of John's death in 2021. I revisited this page and renewed fond memories of the good ol' days, when John and Greg were young and so were we. Monday evening I was talking with a mutual friend Steve Jackson and we both remember you, Chris, and both know how hard it is to lose a loved one. I try to console Steve, since I'm the old pro...but what I know is this and I share it from a post on facebook: Love lives on forever in each memory and that of the special ones who meant so much and the happiness they brought. Love lives on forever--it will never fade away, for in our hearts our loved ones are with us everyday! Dear Chris, please know you are in my thoughts. Wishing you all good things and a bright new year! Love and Hugs, Marilyn

Marilyn Glaser

January 28, 2021

Dear Chris & Family,
I was saddened to read of John's death. I remember him in the days he worked with Greg at the Straw Hat...way back when! He and Greg were both bright , dynamic and fun! I remember, too, we went to one of his classes at Franklin and demonstrated candle-making...not sure what that was for, but we did! He was well loved by all of his students!
Many years have passed since Greg's interning days at St. Joe's, but I think that's the last time we saw you and John at a Pharmacy gathering.
Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know how hard it is to lose the love of your life. Greg's been gone 25 years now!
Sending sincerest sympathy to you and all of your family.
For every tear you shed may you also have many reasons to smile remembering all the special memories you share.
Wishing you strength and comfort at this difficult time!
Sending Much Love and Hugs,
Marilyn Glaser

Mike Gulden

January 23, 2021

John Frey was my teacher and mentor. He was my Biology teacher at Lincoln back in 1981-82 and I recall his dry wit in comparison to his over the top sidekick and co-teacher Bill McKeever during their lectures. His “sig” during labs were always the most challenging to get. He and Bill mentored me, leading me to a career in education that began right there at Lincoln as a summer school science teacher. I’m a better person for having known Mr Frey.

John Sanguinetti

January 23, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Peter Salamon

January 17, 2021

He was a real gentleman and a wonderful asset to Stockton. He taught both my kids when they were at Lincoln High School. He will be missed.

Catherine Frye

January 17, 2021

My grandfather, Dr. Frye, had Mr. Frey as a student at UOP. My grandfather takes roll the first day and tells Mr. Frey, “Sit in the back of the class, you don’t spell your name right.”

Many years later, my sister takes Mr. Frey’s class. Mr. Frey asks my sister if she’s related to Dr. Frye, she confirms it, and he tells the class this story, finishing by telling my sister, “Go sit in the back of the class, you don’t spell your name right.” My grandfather just about fell over laughing when he heard about it.

My grandfather passed a few months before I took his class, so he didn’t pull the same stunt on me, though I was totally ready for it. I sat right in front so I could dramatically walk to the back. That was a great class, and he was a great teacher with a great sense of humor.

Ella Severson

January 15, 2021

Mr. Frey was my biology teacher at LHS in 2001 and definitely inspired me to pursue an education in science, which led to my eventual career path to become a doctor. He had a wonderful personality and a great sense of humor. His loss will be felt among the students who had him.

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