ORONO – Paul Henry “Grumps” Frey Sr., 81, passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, with his family by his side. He was born Feb. 26, 1931, in Bangor, the son of Francis and Florence (Blackwell) Frey.
Paul grew up in Bangor and attended Bangor schools. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. Upon his return home, he continued his service to his country in the Navy Reserves. For his service, Paul was awarded four medals: Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Army Occupation Medal – Japan, and the UN Service Medal. Paul was a member of the American Legion, Orono, and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3381, Old Town. He was involved in the Military Order of the Cooties, which allowed him to volunteer and do different service projects through the VFW. He was very patriotic and always participated in the Fourth of July and Veterans Day parades. Paul was a NASCAR fan and he loved jokes, but only the good ones. He was dedicated and devoted to his family, was very proud of his first great-granddaughter, who was born in November, and was lovingly given his nickname of “Grumps” by his grandchildren.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Glennice; five children, Eloise Simard and her husband, Robert, of Winthrop, Paul “Rick” Jr. and his companion, Mary, of Brewer, Rodney and his wife, Kelley, of Orono, Elaine St. Louis and her husband, Aaron, of Argyle and Diane King and her husband, Tim, of Westbrook; eight grandchildren, Paul “Chip” III, Danny, Kristen, Jennifer, Travis, Brian, Billy and Randy; great-granddaughter, Jordyn; two brothers, Gus and his wife, Rose, and John; sister, Mary; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by a sister, Florence; and an infant brother, David.
A memorial visitation will be held 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town, where a VFW service will take place 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s honor may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, PVA: Donation Processing Center, 7 Mill Brook Road, Wilton, NH 03086. Notes of condolences may be left at
www.birminghamfuneralhome.com.