Daniel W. Frye

Dan Frye, 76, joined heaven’s most glorious choir - where he is undoubtedly angling to become the director - on October 20, 2024. Although he entered college with the intention of becoming a pastor, he found that his true talent was with choral conducting.  Dan chose to devote his life to music, obtaining his undergraduate degree from Miami University and masters from BGSU. He started his career as a teacher with the Washington Local Schools, before opening his own music services business:  Frye’s Music Service.  (“We are Grand and Upright people!”)  Through Frye’s Music Service, Dan proudly maintained instruments for many local churches, often noting that “I tuned that piano” as he drove around Toledo.  Those who worked with Dan will remember that his biggest anti-theft device was a key ring so jam-packed full of keys that any thief would be hopelessly delayed trying to open any Dan-owned building or car.  The keys on that ring gave Dan a lopsided gait, and unquestionably outlived the structures they belonged to.  Dan loved working in church music programs, especially at Christmas-time where he wrote and directed musicals performed by congregation talent.  It is a good thing that the choir conductor’s back is to the audience, because Dan was well-known for his goofy animated faces designed to make the choir SMILE!!  Dan was a long-time conductor of the Zenobia Shrine Chanters; however, he would be most proud to be remembered for his deep faith in Christ.  Dan had more bibles than some bookstores, and their ragged pages testify to his use.  His family remains convinced that he was able to spend so much time driving around Toledo without incident due to the fact that he had sermons playing on the radio the whole time.  Surviving to miss his presence as they practice their breathing and vocal warm-up techniques are wife, Sharon E. Hollins, children Katie E. Frye, David K. Frye (Amy and grand-daughters Winifred, Willow, and River), Alec G. Frye (Carolyn), and Jillian L. Frye.  Dan thoroughly loved being a father, and there was no level of silliness to which he would not descend if it meant giggles from his children.  Dressing up as the Easter bunny at Halloween? No problem!  Joining his children in loud embarrassing wails in the grocery aisle to quiet a tantrum?  Gotcha!  Recording deep-voiced loops so the school valentine box monster talked as it “ate” the valentine cards?  Of course!  Just don’t make the mistake of standing in front of his cool air during a heat wave…. And especially do not allow Dan to get anywhere near any kind of vegetation, as he is one of the very special few who can contract poison ivy anywhere, even in Times Square.  As the single son in a family blessed with six children, Dan has always known to never underestimate the determination of a group of motivated women. He is survived by his five sisters Pam Arnold (Everett), Karen Nelson (Richard), Louise Hill (Garry), Aprel Cornyn (Mike), and Debby Schenk (Wolf), and friend Sandra Kellogg.  Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Holton and Frieda (Hoff) Frye.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 24 from 5pm-7pm at Wisniewski Funeral Home, 2426 N. Reynolds Rd.  There will also be visitation on Friday, October 25 from 10am to 11am Epiphany Lutheran Church, 915 N. Reynolds Rd. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11am. The family wishes that any donations made in Dan’s memory go to Epiphany Lutheran Church.  For additional information, see Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home | Toledo OH funeral home and cremation.

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