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Donald Fry Obituary
Donald Fry, a scholar of medieval literature and culture as well as a noted contributor to ethics in journalism, died on December 6, 2021, in Charlottesville.
He attended Broughton High School in Raleigh, N.C., where he studied with Phyllis Peacock, a noted teacher of future writers. After earning a B.A. in English at Duke, he served for three years in the U.S. Navy. He then earned a Ph.D in English at the University of California at Berkeley, studying Old and Middle English. He taught English at the University of Virginia and at Stony Brook University. At Stony Brook he also served as Provost for Humanities and Fine Arts. Always interested in writing and language, he switched his career to journalism and served as the head of the Writing and Ethics faculties at the Poynter Institute of Media Studies in St. Petersburg, Fla. He worked with newspapers worldwide, teaching writing and ethics in Singapore, South Africa, Norway, the Czech Republic, Canada, and across the United States. He published twenty two books on Old English language and culture, the Icelandic sagas, and on journalism.
In his pursuit of medieval literature, culture, and archaeology, he was an avid collector of books, early manuscripts, and the history of printing. He greatly enjoyed his service on the boards of the University of Virginia's Rare Book School and the Leifur Eiriksson Foundation which sponsors an exchange program for Icelandic and American graduate students. He also loved art and taught 15 courses on great painters for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Charlottesville. His many hobbies included painting, woodworking, and model making.
The son of Donald and Mildred (Powell) Fry, he was born in Raleigh, N.C., on March 31, 1937. He is survived by Joan, his wife of 56 years; his son, Jason and his wife, Emily Bernstein; and grandson, Joshua. He is also survived by his sister, Sandra Sink, and nephew, Joel Sink.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Rare Book School Foundation at the University of Virginia.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Fry
6 Entries
Charlie Pastorfield
December 20, 2021
Don came to Crutchfield many years ago to help us with our online and catalog copy. We were all a little nervous about a potential culture change. Don began speaking and we were all immediately sold on his observations and ideas. He was a huge influence on a generation of writers here at Crutchfield, and we still adhere religiously to the set of rules he helped us develop. He was an impressive man, and we are all very sad to hear of his passing.
Anne Novak
December 8, 2021
I remember visiting Don and Joan's house on JPA as we visited Charlottesville when I was just a child. Don was creating mobiles and building a harpsichord. The creative nature of the house inspired my whole life.
Gene Foreman
December 8, 2021
I was among the many journalists who benefited from Don Fry's efforts to improve the quality of our craft. He understood what we were trying to do, and he helped us find a way to do it better.
Brian O'Connor
December 8, 2021
Don made a huge difference in my life as an editor, writer, and newsroom leader. I doubt my career would have been as good if I hadn't met Don, and I very likely would have given up writing as a career.
He was a rare talent and a genius.
Mary Susan Payne
December 8, 2021
I am so sorry I never met Dr. Fry, even though we both lived in Charlottesville for years. Like him, I attended Broughton High School and Phyllis Peacock has had a great influence on my life also. I am so sorry for your loss.
Ashley Wilson
December 8, 2021
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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