NEW GLOUCESTER – Robert B. Fryer Sr., 70, passed away Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008, with his family at his side, at his home after a long battle with cancer. Bob was born Oct. 24, 1937, in Derby, Conn., to Dorothy Susan Blake and George Edward Fryer. He attended West Hartford, Conn., schools and Dean Jr. College, Massachusetts, along with the University of Connecticut. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served a tour of duty in Italy, where he was joined by his wife in 1959 when they were wed. Upon returning to the States, they lived in Connecticut and New York, settling in Maine in 1968. Recently retired in January 2008, Bob enjoyed a career extending more than 40 years in insurance, beginning with Aetna in 1965. Some of the many companies he was involved with include, Peerless Insurance Co., Patrons Oxford Insurance Co., Seaco, Lumberman’s Mutual, SAN Group, North East Insurance Co., and most recently with Varney Agency. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident throughout his life in many ventures, including owning the Whitney Sanborn Agency, R.D. Nichols Insurance Agency, Frost Vacationland Properties, Blake Land Ventures and co-founding Equinox Insurance. Those who knew Bob saw his kind heart and generosity in his daily life. He was involved with many philanthropic efforts, some of which include the Masons, Eagles, PIA New England, Maine Special Olympics, North East Charitable Foundation and the organization of many benefit golf tournaments. Bob’s greatest joy was his family and extended family, with whom he enjoyed camping, cooking and extensive traveling forming friendships worldwide. Bob enjoyed his many golf trips to Myrtle Beach and was a member of Spring Meadows Golf Course here in Maine. He enjoyed racquetball and excelled in tennis becoming Maine Seniors’ Doubles Champion in the 1970s. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Ann A. Fryer; daughter, Amy (Fryer) Wohltjen of Scarborough and her husband, Paul Wohltjen; son, R. Blake Fryer Jr. of Glenburn and his wife, Victoria Fryer; five grandchildren, Robert and William Wohltjen, Garrett Barb, Cameron and Bayley Fryer; brother, George E. Fryer Jr. of New Hampshire; two sisters, Dorothy Hoyt of New York and Ruth Foster of Gray; his father, George E. Fryer Sr. of Gorham; and by his extended family of nephews and nieces by whom he was very much loved. A memorial service in celebration of Bob’s life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. Services will be held at First Congregational Church in New Gloucester, 19 Gloucester Hill Road, New Gloucester, with a memorial gathering afterward. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Linda Gard. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to CancerCare of Maine, Eastern Maine Medical Center, care of Healthcare Charities, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931. https://secure.emh.org/ emmc/donate.asp
ROBERT B. FRYER SR.
