Richard A. Frye

Richard A. Frye departed this life on Thursday October 6, 2022. He was born September 9, 1942 in Saint Louis, Missouri to Thomas and Mary Ellen Frye.

 Richard was a proud product and son of East Saint Louis “East Boogie”, Illinois, often sharing the legacy of excellence of his hometown. He graduated from Lincoln High School and continued to follow their athletic and band programs.

 Richard joined the United States Air Force where he served for many years. He was very proud of having served in the military; it meant a lot to him. After serving, Richard earned an undergraduate and graduate degree from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.

 Richard worked in financial services and urban planning industries. He eventually found his niche within higher education and the TRIO community. His work focused on ensuring underrepresented students access and progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs. He spent over 40 years as an administrator, grant writer/reader, trainer and consultant of TRIO programs at the local, regional and national level. Richard served as President of statewide and national education access professional associations, like Ohio TRIO (Formerly OAEOPD), EOA (Formerly MAEOPP) and COE (Formerly NCEOA).  Later in his career, he served as President and CEO of the Association of Education Excellence. Thousands of students have been able to achieve their educational and professional goals through Richard's dedication to helping them.

 Richard had an indelible sense of humor and was a prolific story and joke teller. He was an avid reader. You could always find him with a stack of newspapers, or books on current affairs or African American history. He loved soul music and soul food. He could point you to the best soul food restaurants in every major city in the U.S. He was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and was often seen wearing his Crimson and Creme.

 Richard was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Mary, his brother Robert, and sister Carol. Richard leaves to mourn and remember him, his children, sons Richard Frye (mother-Beverly Reid), Derek Frye, daughters Tricia Broadnax, Kelli (Jason) Daniels and Shannon Frye. “Crown Jewels”, granddaughters Faith, Hannah and Elise, “Richard’s guys”, grandsons Kellen and DJ. Richard made each one of his children and grandchildren feel like they were the most special people in the world. He also leaves former wife and friend Joyce Tillman Frye, Crissie Frye, his brother Edward, sister Sharon, special nephew Todd (Roz), colleagues Laura Dayton and Kenya Frye, along with a host of family and friends, who he loved and appreciated very much.

 The family would like to thank the staff of the George E. Wahlen Veterans home, his nurse Sandy and special volunteers Otis and Al, Dr. Volden and staff at Ogden Regional Hospital, and Atlas Hospice for their care of our father.

 At the desire and request of Richard's heart and his last wishes, there will be no services.

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