Corbett "Corb" G. Frey

Corbett G. Frey

  OTTAWA - Corbett G. "Corb" Frey, 75, passed away at 10:32 a.m. on Monday,  May 24, 2021 at the Meadows of Ottawa.  He was born on December 29, 1945 in Lima, Ohio. Corb was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys (Griffith) Frey and father, Robert F. Frey Jr. 

  He is survived by a sister, Linda (Steven) Skopik of Cochiti Lake, NM; and two brothers:  Robert (Phyllis) Frey III of Ottawa and William (Sharon) Frey of Norwalk.  He is also survived by 7 nieces and nephews. One nephew preceded him in death.

  Corb was a lifelong resident of Ottawa.  He worked at Brookhill Industries for many years and at many businesses in Ottawa performing various kinds of custodial work.  He also worked at the Frey Hardware and Department Store, a fixture in downtown Ottawa for nearly 100 years, a store that his Great Grandfather founded in the 1870s. 

  As a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church in Ottawa, Corb was the “official bell ringer” for Sunday morning services for many years. He was also fondly known by the children for playing the part of Santa Claus (Corby Claus) at Christmas time.  Corb had a love for music and was known around town, especially at The Schnipke Inn, for his great impersonations of Elvis Presley.  He was a lifelong member of the Eagles and was “Honorary Mayor” of Ottawa for a period of time.  Known for his outgoing personality Corb was fun loving and had a good sense of humor.

  The family wishes to extend their profound thanks to the Ottawa community for the empathy and kindness they showed Corb over the years.  The family also wishes to extend their thanks to the staff at the Meadows of Ottawa and also the staff at Putnam Heritage for assisting and caring for Corb during the last years of his life.  Finally, we are also thankful for the staff at Pathways Counseling Center (especially David Hollingshead before he retired) and his many medical providers, most notably Dr. Jeffrey Eiden, for the support they provided Corb.

  Graveside service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Harman Cemetery, Gilboa with Rev. Dennis Coates officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, OTTAWA.

  Donations in Corb’s memory may be made to the Ottawa Presbyterian Church or to the Putnam County Library which was founded by Corb’s Great Grandmother Maizie Hauck Frey in 1924.  

Condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com