William J. Frey

1947-2024 

William Joseph (Pop) Frey, age 76, of Bayville, NJ passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 14. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Anne M. Frey, and their four sons: Bill (Christine), Tim (Linnette), Chris (Jennifer), and Rob (Danielle). Bill, known lovingly by everyone as Pop, was the cherished grandfather of 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Luella, and his brothers, Frederick Jr. and Thomas. 

Born in Massachusetts he lived most of his life in Bayville, New Jersey, Bill graduated from Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark, NJ Class of 1965 and attended Bloomfield College. 

During the Vietnam War, Bill served as a Staff Sergeant and Personnel Specialist in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he worked 18 years for Exxon Chemical Americas in Linden, NJ before becoming self-employed as a Safety Coordinator, lending his skills to various East Coast refineries until his retirement.

Throughout his life, Bill demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his community. He was a communicant of St. Barnabas Church in Bayville, NJ. However, his most significant and impactful contribution was undoubtedly the countless hours he spent serving as a volunteer firefighter.

As a life member of the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company Station 20, Bill served in various leadership roles including that of Chief and Assistant Chief. His expertise and drive to protect the community also led him to be a founding member and Assistant Chief of the Berkeley Township Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team Station 85. He served as Chief from 2013-2016. Bill's exceptional dedication was recognized in 1998 when he was named Berkeley Township Firefighter of the Year.

In addition to his hands-on service, Bill shared his knowledge and experience by working as a Hazardous Materials and Safety Instructor for the State of New Jersey and the Fire Academies of Ocean and Middlesex Counties. Through his teachings, Bill trained and mentored several generations of police officers, firefighters and emergency responders, helping to ensure they had the knowledge and skills needed to serve their communities effectively. 

 A viewing will be held at Mastapeter Memorial Home in Bayville, NJ, on Wednesday June 19th from 5:00-9:00pm, A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church, Bayville, NJ, on Thursday at 11:00am followed by an interment at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veteran's Cemetery, 350 Province line Rd., Wrightstown, NJ.at 2:00pm. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company, Berkeley Township Hazmat Team Station 85 or St. Barnabas Church. 

Bill’s legacy of service, love and dedication will live on through the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends and the community he served so faithfully. 

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