WILMINGTON — It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Henry Charles “Hank” Frey on August 18th, 2024 at the age of 91. At the time of his passing, Hank was surrounded by the love and caring of his family and the supportive thoughts and prayers of all who knew him.
Hank is survived by the love of his life and beloved wife, Brunhilde “Bruni” Frey, Daughter Helga Galatan, Daughter Ingrid Boker, Son-In-Law Harris Galatan and Grandchildren Brooke-Alexis and Bianca-Marie Boker. Hank was known for his kind heart, sense of humor and life-long love of fishing.
Born August 6, 1933 to Erwin and Therese Frey in New York City, Hank was a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School and attended City College of NY and New York University, graduating Cum laude and class president from New York University in 1964 with a BA in Industrial Engineering, followed by a Master of Science and Industrial Engineering from NYU in 1969.
Hank had previously volunteered for the US Army, serving from 1954-1956. After graduating from radio school he served in the Signal Corps assigned to the US Signal Battalion 8047th and later an inter-service rotation to the US Air Force assigned to the 610th Air Control and Warning Squadron Itazuke, Japan.
Hank began his working career with American Telephone & Telegraph Company (AT&T) in 1951, later moving to Bell Telephone Laboratories, initially in New York and eventually becoming one of the initial tenants of the then brand new Holmdel New Jersey Bell Labs location. Hank’s work included industry-leading and breaking-edge technology on microfilm, micrographics, bar-coding and electro-optic storage, serving as Supervisor of Micrographics Standards and Information Handling at Bell Laboratories. Hank worked for ATT/Bell Labs/Lucent Technologies for over 45 years. Known as a leader in the field, he was key member of The National Micrographics Association serving as President of NMA 1975-76 as well as board member, Treasurer and President Emeritus.
Hank and Bruni were married in New York City on September 12, 1959 eventually settling in Eatontown, New Jersey where they lived from 1964-2001, raising their two children and becoming beloved residents of the community. Hank served in various positions for the township, including Eatontown Town Councilman, Eatontown Police Commissioner and on the Monmouth Regional High School Board of Education. Hank was a devout member of Hope Presbyterian Church serving as Deacon and Church Elder.
In 2002 Hank and Bruni began their much deserved retirement in the River Landing neighborhood of Wallace, North Carolina where they have spent the last 23 years enjoying friends, tennis, golf, fishing and visits from their two beloved Grandchildren.
Hank’s has been a life well-lived, with hard work, love of his vocation, dedication and service as well as travel and memories, all while surrounded by the deep love and devotion to – and by – his family.
In lieu of flowers the family asks you to consider donations to two of Hank’s preferred charities: The National Lupus Foundation or The National MS Foundation.
Services will be held Friday August 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Andrews Mortuary Chapel on Market Street, Wilmington NC.
Condolences may be shared with the family here.
