Rudolph J. Frei M.D.
October 22, 1928 ~ December 16, 2019 (age 91) 91 Years Old
Tribute
Rudolph (Rudy) John Frei, M.D. passed away December 16, 2019 peacefully in hospice care, at John Knox Village, Pompano Beach, FL with much of his family at his bedside. At the age of 91, he had a rewarding life as a physician, husband, father and grandfather.
Rudy was born October 22, 1928 in Jersey City, New Jersey to his parents, Rudolph Frei and Frieda Bacchini, immigrants from Switzerland. Rudy attended St. Peter’s Preparatory College in New Jersey. He then spent two years in the US Army, where he served in the medical service core at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. After the war, Rudy traveled to Switzerland to attend medical school at the University of Basel, Switzerland. Rudy returned to the states for an internship at Meadowbrook Hospital on Long Island, N.Y. Later, he spent his residency in Adult/Child Psychiatry at the University of Florida.
Rudy began his medical career in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He developed the first children’s unit at Florida State Hospital in Pembroke Pines. He also joined the staff at the Henderson Clinic. Eventually, Rudy started his own successful private practice in Fort Lauderdale, FL until he retired in 1998.
Rudy had many interests outside of medicine. His love for family was truly evident in everyday life. His passion for worldly travel was passed down to his kids and grandkids. He had a true appreciation for the arts. Rudy was extremely involved at his church, and was instrumental in starting the Men’s Club. He had a love for snow skiing, reading, fine wine, and history.
Rudy is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol Conner Frei; his sister, Dr. Pearl Tait; and his Children: Wayne T. Frei, M.D. (Mary) of Aiken, SC; Teresa Frei Roberts (Colin) of Columbia, MD; Gigi Frei Spear (David) of Atlanta GA; and Danielle Frei Hojnacki (Paul) of Mason, OH.
Grandchildren include: Rev. Mr. (Deacon) William Connor Frei, Katie Lane Frei, Caroline Frei, Kyle Frei; Andrew Roberts, Shaun Roberts, Leah Roberts; Jack Spear, Nicholas Spear, Matthew Spear, Michael Spear; Maggie Hojnacki, Peter Hojnacki, Danny Hojnacki, and John Michael Hojnacki.
Rudy’s viewing will be Sunday, December 22 from 3 – 5 PM at Baird Case Jordan-Fannin Funeral Home, 4343 N. Federal Highway, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The Funeral Mass will be Monday, December 23rd at 10:30 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4595 Bayview Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to John Knox Village Foundation (https://jkvfoundation.com/donate/); The Opera Society of Florida Grand Opera (http://www.fgo.org/support-fgo/); or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (https://www.saintjohncc.com/).
Rudy was born October 22, 1928 in Jersey City, New Jersey to his parents, Rudolph Frei and Frieda Bacchini, immigrants from Switzerland. Rudy attended St. Peter’s Preparatory College in New Jersey. He then spent two years in the US Army, where he served in the medical service core at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. After the war, Rudy traveled to Switzerland to attend medical school at the University of Basel, Switzerland. Rudy returned to the states for an internship at Meadowbrook Hospital on Long Island, N.Y. Later, he spent his residency in Adult/Child Psychiatry at the University of Florida.
Rudy began his medical career in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He developed the first children’s unit at Florida State Hospital in Pembroke Pines. He also joined the staff at the Henderson Clinic. Eventually, Rudy started his own successful private practice in Fort Lauderdale, FL until he retired in 1998.
Rudy had many interests outside of medicine. His love for family was truly evident in everyday life. His passion for worldly travel was passed down to his kids and grandkids. He had a true appreciation for the arts. Rudy was extremely involved at his church, and was instrumental in starting the Men’s Club. He had a love for snow skiing, reading, fine wine, and history.
Rudy is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol Conner Frei; his sister, Dr. Pearl Tait; and his Children: Wayne T. Frei, M.D. (Mary) of Aiken, SC; Teresa Frei Roberts (Colin) of Columbia, MD; Gigi Frei Spear (David) of Atlanta GA; and Danielle Frei Hojnacki (Paul) of Mason, OH.
Grandchildren include: Rev. Mr. (Deacon) William Connor Frei, Katie Lane Frei, Caroline Frei, Kyle Frei; Andrew Roberts, Shaun Roberts, Leah Roberts; Jack Spear, Nicholas Spear, Matthew Spear, Michael Spear; Maggie Hojnacki, Peter Hojnacki, Danny Hojnacki, and John Michael Hojnacki.
Rudy’s viewing will be Sunday, December 22 from 3 – 5 PM at Baird Case Jordan-Fannin Funeral Home, 4343 N. Federal Highway, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The Funeral Mass will be Monday, December 23rd at 10:30 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4595 Bayview Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to John Knox Village Foundation (https://jkvfoundation.com/donate/); The Opera Society of Florida Grand Opera (http://www.fgo.org/support-fgo/); or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (https://www.saintjohncc.com/).
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