Carl E. Frey

Dr. Carl E. Frey, 86, of Lancaster, passed away on December 20, 2025, at his home. He was the loving husband of Patricia Gochnauer Lee to whom he was married for 23 years.

He was the son of the late Suetta (Burkhart) Frey and Furry Frey. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Daniel Frey, step-son Dustin Lee, Dustin’s companion Jennifer Stack, and Dustin’s children, Annika, Koda, and D’Andre Lee, grandchildren Marinne Frey and Tucker Frey, and Meridith (Joe) Keemer, sisters, Norma (the late Terry) Sherman, and Marian (Terry) Frick, and a half-brother Paul Frey. He was pre-deceased by a son, Darryl Frey, half-brothers Chester Nolt, Maurice Nolt, and Lloyd Frey.

As a young adult, Carl served two years in Voluntary Service, an alternate to military service, in New York City. After graduating with a doctoral degree from University of Tennessee, he worked as a psychologist and counselor in private practice, then joined PA Counseling Services, York, PA, from where he retired.

Carl’s active lifestyle belied his age. He loved singing, both solo and in the choir, and was a dedicated trustee at Otterbein United Methodist Church. Carl played golf weekly, and spoiled the pet cats and backyard birds. He pushed himself past limits -- one recent summer he walked every street in Lancaster City. He rode his Honda Valkyrie to all 48 contiguous states and the majority of Canadian provinces. He loved trains, good food, good movies, a good college football game, the arts, dancing, and had a special affinity for handmade pottery.

Carl’s genuine concern for people and his kind, generous, and forgiving spirit engaged everyone around him. Intolerance, prejudice, and cruelty toward other people was distressing to him; he believed every person has an inner light. His family, especially the grandchildren, were the loves of his life, and they will sorely miss PapPap Frey’s competitive rummy games, loud cheers at sporting events, and annual trips to Ocean City, MD. It is fitting that he focused the last week of his life on building a basketball backboard for the grands.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Otterbein United Methodist Church, 20 E Clay St, Lancaster, PA 17602 on March 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family at Rohrerstown Mennonite Cemetery. To honor Carl, show kindness to those you meet. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Otterbein United Methodist Church, (Otterbeinlancaster.org) or to the Road to Home Campaign to support services to unhoused friends (https://givebutter.com/RoadtoHome). To leave an online condolence, please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com.