Merle Fremont Frye

Merle was a 1952 graduate of Dayton High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. In earlier years, he had worked as a Lineman in Punxsutawney, PA. Merle was a Jack of All Trades and a talented mechanic who was referred to as “Mr. Fix-it”, with many locals dropping off their tractors or farm equipment to his house for repair work. He had his own mechanic shop but also worked for several local mechanic shops including Fairbank Farms, Whitney & Wood and Buffalo White to name a few. He also worked as a Maintenance Mechanic for Panama Central School, where he retired at the age of 80.

He was a member of the Lakewood American Legion Post 1286, and the Chautauqua County School Boards Association (CCSBA). He enjoyed hunting, going on vacations, and dancing.

Merle is survived by his loving wife, Merry Carol Dobson Frye, whom he married March 17, 1956, and four children, Rick (Bonnie) Frye of Sherman, NY, Cathy Griffin of Ashville, NY, Sue (Ron) Ruch of Ashville, NY, and Chuck (Becky) Frye of Ashville, NY, two nieces he raised as his own daughters, Pat Judge of Bemus Point, NY and Paula Swartz of Punxsutawney, PA, twelve grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and twenty great-great-grandchildren, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Frye, and a sister Martha (Butch) McGaughey.

The funeral will be held at Noon on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Freay Funeral Home in Mayville (139 S Erie St). The Rev John Bowen will officiate. Burial will be in the Panama Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 21, from 4-7 PM at the funeral home and for two hours before the service (10 AM to Noon), on Tuesday, also at the funeral home.

Memorial donations can be made to the Lakewood American Legion Post 1286 (174 Chautauqua Ave, Lakewood, NY 14750).

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com.