Dr. Neal W. Frey

Dr. Neal W. Frey, age 90, formerly of Conneaut, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, at the Ashtabula County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Born on November 25, 1934, in Fremont, Ohio, Neal was the son of Henry Gilmore Frey and Cleva (Weller) Frey. He earned his Doctorate in Dentistry from The Ohio State University in 1958 and was elected to membership in Theta Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Honor Dental Society.

From 1959 to 1964, Neal proudly served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army, stationed in Texas and Honolulu, Hawaii, before being honorably discharged.

After leaving Hawaii, Neal and his family settled in Cambridge, Ohio, where he partnered in a dental practice. Always eager to expand his knowledge, he went on to earn a Master of Science in Dentistry from the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 1973. He later taught Dental Radiology at UCLA in Van Nuys, California, and continued teaching in Jackson, Mississippi.

Eventually, Neal and his family returned to Ohio and made their home in Conneaut. There, he opened a dental practice in the J.C. Penney building and, later in his career, continued his work at the Ashtabula Dental Clinic until his retirement.

A man of many interests, Neal was a passionate history enthusiast—particularly of the Civil War—a gifted watercolor artist, and an avid reader. He also took great pride in maintaining his yard and had a deep love for nature.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Tex and Harold Frey; and his sister, Tody Brown.

Neal is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Gretchen (Pfleiderer) Frey; his children, Betsy (Steve) Elwood of Atlanta, GA; Henry (Terry) Frey of Gates Mills, OH; and Eric (Susan) Frey of Conneaut, OH. He is also survived by his sister, Joanne Scott of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Heather Frey, Haley (Brian) Morgan, Paige Frey, and Sydney Frey; and one great-grandchild, Landon Rodinis.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, private services with military honors will be held at Lulu Falls Cemetery at their convenience.

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