David M. Frees Jr.

David M. Frees, Jr., age 79, husband of the late Mary Jane (Faddis) Frees, of Phoenixville, PA, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 in the Paoli Hospital. Born on May 19, 1941 in West Chester, PA, he was a son of the late David M. Sr. and Margaret (McElfatrick) Frees. Born and raised in the Phoenixville area, Mr. Frees attended Phoenixville Schools, and would graduate from Owen J. Roberts High School, class of 1959. While there, he lettered in basketball and track, served as the Junior and Senior class President, and received many awards for service to his community. Upon graduation, he attended Pierce School of Business and the Philadelphia Insurance Society, achieving the Highest Scholastic Average Award. During his schooling, he was employed by Frees Insurance, Inc. of Phoenixville as an independent insurance broker, a company he would run until his retirement. He was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Phoenixville, where he served in several capacities including Church council member and President, Sunday school teacher for 30 years, and on the Social Ministry and Stewardship committees. Mr. Frees has always been a supporter of the Phoenixville community, and his love of the community had showed through his continual work to make it a place in which people are proud to live. One of his proudest projects was the co-founding of the Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area in 1977, working to preserve the rich history of this area for future generations to study and enjoy. He would also serve on the board Chester County Historical Society from 1984 through 2002. Throughout the years, Mr. Frees could be found heavily involved with many civic organizations throughout the Phoenixville are and surrounding communities. He served as a Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Phoenixville Jaycees. He also served for the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation, the Chester County Community Foundation, the Chester County Redevelopment Committee Secretary, and as a committee member and trustee of the Phoenixville Hospital. Mr. Frees served as a member of the Planning Commission, as the Borough Auditor, and as the President of the Phoenixville Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a trustee and Endowment Committee member of the YMCA, a committee member of the Phoenixville Library Expansion Fund Drive, and was the campaign chairman and President for the Chester County United Way. Mr. Frees has been recognized countless times with a multitude of community awards including the Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1979, the Chester County Community Foundation Jordan Award for Philanthropy, the Schuylkill River Heritage Award, the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award, the Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, and many awards through his work with the Jaycees, the Phoenixville Inter-Service Club, the YMCA, and the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Frees is survived by two sons, David M. III, husband of Robin Frees of Phoenixville, PA and Robb S., husband of Lisa Frees of Phoenixville, PA; five grandchildren, Joshua Frees, partner of Sarah Duyer, Jamie, wife of Craig Miller, Alex, husband of Laura Frees, Morgan, husband of Calle Frees, and Tyler Frees, fiancé of Mackenzie Welsh; one great-grandson, Bodhi Miller; and two siblings, J. Barrie Frees of Pottstown, PA and Carol J., wife of Don Crew of Tioga County, PA. Mr. Frees was preceded in death by one daughter, Valeri F. Frees. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc, 610 South Main Street, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Funeral services and burial will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area, 204 Church Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460. Condolences may be made by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

David M. Frees Jr.

May 19, 1941 - October 6, 2020