William C. Frye, Jr.

William C. Frye, Jr., 90, teacher, gardener, and teller of stories left this world on February, 19, 2008.  He was born in California, PA on April 7, 1917, the first of four children of William C. and Edith Cole Frye.  He received his bachelor’s degree in industrial arts and education from California State Teacher’s College and later earned masters’ degrees in education and educational administration from both Ohio State University and the University of Pittsburgh.

He married Doris M. Ellingwood in 1942 at Stone United Methodist Church in Meadville.  She preceded him in death, June 26, 2007.

During World War II, Mr. Frye served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps.  As a bombardier with the 401st Bomb Group, he was shot down on January 29, 1944 and interned in Germany as a POW 1944-45.

After the war he resumed his teaching career in Meadville, where he eventually became principal of Kerrtown and Fredericksburg Schools and later, assistant superintendent, then superintendent of the Crawford Central School District, a position he held for 17 years.  Mr. Frye retired with his wife to Orange Park, FL where he taught reading to illiterate adults, served as director of Clay County Community Services, and as a hearing officer for the Florida State Attorney’s office where he specialized in juvenile cases.  He was an active member of Orange Park Presbyterian Church for 26 years, and with his wife belonged to Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY.  He was an avid gardener and World War II historian.  He and his wife resided at Chapel Oakes in Rochester, NY since November of 2002.

Mr. Frye will be missed by his daughters: Ginny Wensel and her husband Earl of Rochester, NY and Jan Lawrence and her husband Robert of Endicott, NY, his grandchildren: Andrew Wensel, MD, Benjamin Wensel and his wife Caroline Kang, Jerred Lawrence, Beth Lawrence and Sara Lawrence, his sister, Elizabeth Sconing, and friends at Chapel Oaks in Rochester.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Meredith Ann Frye, a brother, Robert M. Frye and a sister Marjorie A. Ferguson

Calling hour will be Saturday from 10-11 a.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville.  The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Jim Hammerlee, officiating.

Burial with military honors provided by Huidekoper VFW Post #2006 will be in Greendale Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs Street, Rochester, NY 14607.