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BORN
1940
DIED
2023
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Robert Frew Obituary
Robert S. Frew, of New Haven, passed away peacefully, September 22, 2023 in Yale New Haven Hospital. He is the beloved husband of Susan Hatch Frew. Born in a tiny village of 200 people, Chapelton, Scotland, on March 2, 1940, son of the late James G. Frew, a blacksmith and Hannah Morrow Simpson Frew, a weaver. He was born from loving, simple beginnings, where creativity took place on the kitchen table. He was a graduate of The Mackintosh School of Architecture, 1963, B. Arch Manitoba School of Architecture,1965, M.A.S.C. Engineering, University of Waterloo 1967, PhD. Engineering, University of Waterloo, 1973.
While at the University of Waterloo, he was part of building the Kaliedoscope Pavillion at the 1967 World's Fair. Professionally, Robert, an Architect, was known for the renaissance of State Street in New Haven. He was President of Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven, served on the Board of Aldermen. He was also a Scottish Dancer and helped formed and taught the New Haven Branch of Royal Country Scottish Dancers, and he also was part of the Beginning of Schooner, one of his and New Haven's favorite organizations.
Bob taught at the Yale School of Architecture from 1969-1999, In the 1970s, Bob made significant programming contributions to the early developments of Computer Aided Design. At the Yale School of Architecture, he established the Computer Lab, with applications that have now influenced every aspect of architectural design and construction.
Bob Frew and Bob Workman were the founders of the Computer Science Department at Southern Connecticut State University. Both Bobs were professors, and Bob Frew was the Department Chairman (1981-84) of Computer Science at Southern Connecticut State University, he taught from 1978-2003.
Bob is survived by his wife, Susan, his children Ian Frew (Dawn), Susannah Frew Dameron (Philip), grandchildren Zachary and Madeleine Frew and James Robert Dameron and great-granddaughter Adriana Frew. Predeceased by siblings, Hannah Frew Paterson and James Frew.
In most recent years, Bob was a member of Baldwin Yacht Club (virtual as well as social), and a Member of the Property Committee at First Presbyterian Church.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Robert's funeral service on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 704 Whitney Avenue, New Haven. Please bring your stories. Burial will follow in Grove Street Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven, 37 Union St., New Haven, CT 06511, or the Community Foundation to support the Schooner program, or Frew Family Fund at Southern Connecticut State College for scholarships in Computer Science. Contributions are payable to SCSU Foundation, 501 Crescent St. New Haven, CT 06515.
The Lupinski Funeral Home, Inc. is in care of his arrangements. Share a memory and sign Robert's guest book online at www.lupinskifuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Frew
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Leslie Kearney
October 13, 2023
I met Bob 45 years ago at my first Scottish country dance class. He was one of the few "real Scots" in our group. He never lost his lovely accent, his charming way of expressing himself. He wore Scottish dancing like an old comfortable coat. He danced with an effortless grace and elegance that always caught one's eye on the dance floor. I once asked Bob how to get from here to there in a dance and I'll never forget his reply: "Hang a left." A fully accredited teacher of Scottish dancing, Bob was famous for passing both levels, preliminary and full certification, in one day, with Miss Nancy Arnott as examiner.
Bob was superlative at blending his many interests and his many friends. Bob's work on renovating State Street introduced Scottish dance into the State Street Apple Festival. His love of boating, and his 45 foot yacht took some of us to a New York Ball in incredible style one year.
Bob was more than generous with his experience, insight and knowledge. To be friends with Bob was to have an instant community, something that is so swiftly disappearing these days. I'm sorry more of the current dancers didn't get the chance to know and love him, enjoy his sense of humor, and most of all, his beautiful dancing.
With love from Leslie Kearney and the Scottish Country Dancers
Joe Chadwick
October 6, 2023
I was a student of Bob´s, worked on many of his State Street buildings, witnessed his skill at pool and sailing and was regaled with stories of Scottish Dance events. His passing is a great and sad loss; I hope his legacy remains a comfort.
Tom Lydon
October 5, 2023
My sincere condolences to Susan and all of Bob´s family. I was a student and then lecturer at Yale from 1973-84, and have fond memories of working closely with Bob on early Computer-Aided Design, and sharing his passion for math and computing puzzles. In the 1970´s, Bob connected Yale students with rising stars such as Bill Mitchell (Harvard, MIT) and Don Greenberg (Cornell). Bob had a great Scottish accent and wit, and I will miss the twinkle in his eye and the friendship I was lucky to have with him.
Preston Maynard
October 4, 2023
I knew Bob through his work on State Street and my role at the New Haven Preservation Trust. He was an urban visionary and responsible for saving State Street by rehabilitating many of the old buildings which were slated for the wreaking ball. I enjoyed his enthusiasm for preservation, his delightful wit, and his courage to take on tough projects.
My thoughts to Susan and his children!
Mary Jane Cunha
October 3, 2023
Dear Susan and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Robert was quite a gentleman and scholar, and he always made my day when he came to Lowe's where it was a pleasure to see him. Thinking of you and your family, and missing him greatly.
Sincerely, Mary Jane (retired cashier, Lowe's Pro Services)
Cindy Maltagliati Conner
October 3, 2023
Ian I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I always had fond memories of him. Sailing to block island and to Mystic seaport.
Gabriella Zablan
September 29, 2023
Ian & family, I am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Rest assured of our prayers
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