Charles W. Frey

1930 - 2025

Charles W. Frey

Charles W. Frey of Lehighton, known to many as Chuck, Junior or Charlie, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. While we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing he has entered the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

He joins his beloved wife, Narene, in heaven and leaves behind his daughters, Sharon Kresge of Tamaqua and Diana Breiner, and her husband, Bruce, of Chocowinity, N.C.; grandchildren, Melanie, Aimee, Heather and Matthew; great-grandchildren, Angelina, Declan, Sage, Kiera, Carlin and Jackson; a great-great-grandson Noah; and countless nieces, nephews and extended family.

Born on June 12, 1930, during the Great Depression, he was the husband of Narene (Reich) Frey and the son of Charles and Mary (Kistler) Frey.

Charles grew up on a 180-acre farm in the Mahoning Valley, where he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and family commitment.

He was one of 12 children. Left to cherish his memory are his siblings: Myrtle Creitz, Marlin Frey, and his wife, Betty, of Lehighton, Donald Frey of Levittown and Kermit Frey in Florida.

He was also preceded in death by six brothers, Paul Frey, Nevin Frey, Russell Frey, Harold Frey, William Frey and Norwood "Woody" Frey; and a sister, Carrie Steward.

In 1949, Charles met his future wife, Narene, at LaRose's Roller Skating Rink. Too shy to approach her at first, his friend took the lead, introducing them and setting in motion a love story that would last more than 68 years.

The two were married a year after they met. After starting their life together on the farm, they soon welcomed their first daughter, Sharon, followed by Diana.

In 1951, Charles took a job at US Steel Fairless Works in Falls Township, initially working as a bricklayer before rising to supervisor, then general foreman.

After just four months of living in Philadelphia, Charles heard about affordable homes in Levittown, and in 1952, the family moved into the home where they would raise their girls.

After decades of dedicated labor, he was forced into early retirement due to health concerns.

Retirement marked the beginning of a new adventure. In the early 1980s, Charles and Narene moved to Florida, where he continued to work as a mechanic and lay minister. He also helped fellow RV travelers as a "tail-ender" for Winnebago, always the last to leave, fixing problems along the way. He was also a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge in Lehighton.

Together, they traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states, Alaska twice, and most of Canada's provinces.

Fishing was his greatest passion. He and Narene would drive to Canada every chance they got. He had an uncanny knack for finding fish, often catching more than guides who charged for the privilege.

Charles' mechanical mind was legendary. Whether it was rebuilding a car engine, fixing a heater in an RV, or making sure his grandkids knew how to change a tire, he approached everything with patience and determination. He was always the one people called when something went wrong, and more often than not, he had the answer.

More than anything, Charles loved his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and an adored "Pop Pop" to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild. He passed down his wisdom, work ethic, and love for adventure, leaving behind a legacy that will never fade along with his unwavering belief that "you can do anything."

His memory will forever be cherished, and the lessons he taught will live on through those who loved him.

Service: Arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2066 W. Penn Pike, New Ringgold. celebration of life service 11 a.m. Friday, March 21, in the funeral home, with Chaplain Benjamin Brown officiating. Private interment, St. John's Lutheran Church of Mahoning Cemetery, Lehighton. Call 10-11 a.m.. Friday. Online condolences or a fond memory of Charles can be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.