ROBERT "Bob" FRYER

1928 - 2016

Robert Fryer went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 5, 2016. He was 87 years old. He had a big heart and a smile to match. He was generous to family, friends and countless charities. We all agree that there was not a kinder, better person than he. Robert was born in Rockville, CT, on August 21, 1928, to Curtis and Lillian (Petig) Fryer. He was the grandson of Frederick and Ella (Scott) Fryer. Robert delivered papers at age nine, picked tobacco, and worked on a chicken farm as a youth. He graduated from Howell Cheney Technical High School in 1946, and became an apprentice mold maker. Robert entered the United States Air Force on November 13, 1950, and as a Staff Sergeant, did a tour of duty in Thule, Greenland. He married Gertrude (Pepper) Hale of Chicago, IL on October 18, 1958. During their 49 years together, they enjoyed travels to Hawaii, Europe, India, Israel, Mexico, Jamaica and South America. Gertrude passed away in 2007. Robert worked at Pratt Whitney Aircraft Engine in East Hartford, CT; ABA Tool and Die in Manchester, CT; and at Taylor Forge and Pipe Works in Chicago, IL, where as a maintenance foreman, he retired in August of 1983. Robert married Marilyn Larson of Fresno, CA in 2008. He was a member of St. Albert the Great Church in Burbank, IL, until he moved to California, where he became an active member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Robert is survived by his wife Marilyn. His family includes Ray and Carol Baikie, and their children, Scott and Tracy, and families of Burbank, IL; and Ed and Valerie Slack, and their children, Haleigh and Eddie of Hickory Hills, IL. His family also includes Marilyn's family, Rich Benzler, and his daughter Mikie; Kristen and Dan Rose; and Thomas David and Celeste Benzler, and their children, Kyle, Kaleb, Sophia, and Thomas David II. His family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at the Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens assisted living for their loving kindness and care. A Funeral Mass will be held at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Kingsburg, CA on Monday, August 15, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. Internment will be held at the Kingsburg Cemetery following the mass. Remembrances may be made to the St. Albert the Great Catholic Church of Burbank, IL; Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, IL; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.