Peter Fries Obituary

Peter Argersinger Fries

August 29, 1944 - June 7, 2014

Peter Argersinger Fries passed away peacefully in San Francisco, California on June 7, 2014. Born to Joseph and Veronica Fries of Saugerties, New York, Peter was a native of New York City who spent his youth and young adult life growing up there.

He attended High school at St. Francis Seraphic Seminary in Lowell, Ma. and continued religious studies at St. Anthony's Novitiate in Catskill, N.Y. He then attended Fordham University, Bronx, N.Y. majoring in Philosophy and graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Peter also served as Headmaster of Secondary School in London, England, and was later employed as Dean of Admissions at Pace University, Pleasantville, N.Y.

During the past 40 years living in San Francisco he worked as Assistant Dean for Continuing Education at the University of San Francisco, the Department of Social Services, War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, Department of Public Works, Elections Commission and later would retire from the Department of Building Inspections in 2005.

Perter lived a full life and was happiest when he was able to share his life's experiences and wonderful stories with friends and loved ones. Peter was an avid reader and a born philosopher with special interest in philosophers Martin Heidegger and Emmuel Kant. While overseas Peter enjoyed his visits to Rome, spending much of his time in Vatican City. He had a great fascination and appreciation for Europe's great churches, cathedrals, old world charm and its wonderful architecture and art.

Peter was a caring, kind, and generous man who will be missed dearly and forever in our thoughts.

He is survived by his brother, Christopher Fries and sister-in law, Bedelia Fries, of West Palm Beach, Florida, niece, Kristin Fries, and her spouse, Jennifer, of Miami, Florida. his brother, Glenn Fries of Catskill, N.Y., predeceased him, as did his parents, Joseph and Veronica Fries of Saugerties, N.Y. and his adoptive Father Lowell Argersinger.

Interment at the Neptune Society Columbarium in San Francisco, California.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 17 to Sep. 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Fries

3 Entries

Dominic Fiumara

September 23, 2014

I met Peter in August of 1962 when we both entered the Franciscan Novitiate in Catskill, NY. After that we were in the Immaculate Conception College of Philosophy, Troy, NY. Academically I was one year ahead of Peter. He left the college in 1965. I saw him several times between then and my ordination in 1970. Sometime in the 1990's I reconnected with Peter via the internet but then lost contact with him when his computer was stolen. He eventually tracked me down on the internet in the early 2000's and from that point on we either communicated via the internet or more often by phone. We had many long conversations that were so enjoyable. At times he would call but I would not be home so he and my wife would converse.

Peter was truly a gentle soul, committed to helping others and expanding his mind with studies. In some respects he would be someone who would be described as a “Renaissance Man.” Although I was not able to see him in person, I will miss him and the times we spent talking either about the time together in the seminary or about current issues that were very important to him. To have known him was definitely a positive experience for which I am grateful.

May he now be at peace and may he have a place of happy remembrance in the hearts of those who were fortunate to have known him.

Bishop Daniel Dahl

September 19, 2014

I met Peter some thirty-eight years ago sharing our mutual interest in church sacramentals. Peter always lived his "Franciscan spirit" with joy for all he met. Condolences to Lowell and the Fries Family. May Perpetual Light shine upon Peter forever.

September 18, 2014

My condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. Fries. May you be comforted by reflecting on the many wonderful memories that you can cherish forever. Also you can look forward to the removal of all causes of death and the heartaches it brings.

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