Robert Francis Friel

Robert Francis Friel, 83, of Chandler, AZ, formerly of Narberth, PA, passed away on May 12, 2025. Robert "Bob" Friel was the founder and president of Stefan Label Products.  Son of the late Charles J. and Sarah Friel, he had two daughters Stefanie and Holly (and her husband Greg Asay), grandchildren Kahlo and Daniel, siblings John J. (and his late wife Joan) Friel, Charles P. (and his late wife Carole) Friel, Sally (and her husband Frank) Liu, the late Eileen Friel, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was born in Philadelphia, PA on November 23, 1941. He was inspired by his hardworking Irish immigrant parents Charles and Sarah “Sadie.” He grew up in Narberth, PA with close relationships with his four siblings. Bob took pride in his Irish heritage, and frequently said “Top of the mornin’ to you” and “It’s a great day for the Irish,” imitating his parents’ Irish brogue. Bob raised his daughters Stefanie and Holly as a single father. He always instilled in them the value of hard work, the importance of education, and a love for animals.  

Bob attended the Saint Margaret School in Narberth, PA; Ardmore Junior High School in Ardmore, PA; and Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, PA.  Bob excelled in athletics, including football, basketball, lacrosse, and track. Bob played on Lower Merion High School’s varsity football team and the AP All-state team. He earned football scholarships to Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, VA, where he also played basketball and lacrosse, and to Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, where he graduated with a degree in Journalism. Bob was also proud to serve in the Army Reserves, receiving an honorable discharge in 1970.

Bob started and ran his own successful business, Stefan Label Products, for over fifty years. He formed lifelong friendships with many of his suppliers and customers, and mentored friends who shared his entrepreneurial spirit and started their own businesses. Bob was known for his flashy jewelry, extensive wardrobe, and his generosity to family, friends, and strangers alike. He was relentlessly positive, friendly and outgoing, and always sought to make people laugh. His frequent salutation in his final year of life was “Hello and goodbye,” which always garnered a smile. 

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Graveside Service, 11:00 AM on July 14, 2025 at Calvary Cemetery., 235 Matsonford Rd., West Conshohocken PA 19428. Meet at the Calvary Cemetery office by 10:45 AM and wait to be led over in a procession to the grave. Memorial donations may be made in Robert’s name to the Arizona Animal Welfare League (https://aawl.org/).