Howard Leroy Frey Jr., 72, passed away on September 17, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Howard was born on July 20, 1954, in Easton, Pennsylvania, to Corinne Pyatt and Howard Leroy Frey Sr. In 1972, Howard began what would become a distinguished career of service to his country when he joined the United States Navy. During his naval career, he served aboard the USS Boston, USS Seahorse, USS Philadelphia, USS Springfield, and USS Annapolis. After more than two decades of dedicated service, Howard retired from the United States Navy as a Master Chief on April 30, 1993.

Howard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cheryl Ann Frey; his parents, Corinne Pyatt and Howard Leroy Frey Sr.; his sister-in-law, Wendy Frey; and his brother-in-law, Mark Walczer.

He is survived by his daughter, Amanda Lyn Frey, and her husband, Francis Rhoad Jr.; his grandchildren, Logan Rhoad and Kinsey Rhoad; his siblings, Karen Walczer and Scott Frey; as well as family, friends, fellow sailors, and countless others whose lives were touched by knowing him.

A lifetime cannot truly be captured in a few paragraphs. Howard was more than the dates of his birth and passing, more than his accomplishments, and more than the titles he held throughout his life. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a friend, and a man whose presence left a lasting impression on the people fortunate enough to know him.

As his grandson said while writing this, “How do you pick just one best memory? How do you even begin to summarize his existence?”

Well, Logan nailed it.

Everyone who ever met Howard would agree: he left everyone with an impression. We encourage all of his friends and family to leave a memory or story below. Share the funny stories, the meaningful moments, the things he said, the things he did, and the memories that still make you smile.

There will NEVER be enough memories of the man we loved so dearly.