HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF DAVID SUNLEY FRERICHS, the official text

H8572 2026 -- H 8572 ======== LC006498 ======== STATE OF RHODE ISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 ____________ H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF DAVID SUNLEY FRERICHS Introduced By: Representatives Knight, Speakman, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, Shallcross Smith, Ajello, Bennett, Fogarty, and Potter Date Introduced: May 21, 2026 Referred To: House read and passed 1 WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of David 2 Sunley Frerichs, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, farmer, businessman, public servant, and 3 cherished member of the Warren community; and 4 WHEREAS, Born to the late Ernest and Sarah Frerichs, Mr. Frerichs was a man of 5 tremendous character, humility, and dedication whose life was defined by service to others, love 6 of family, and commitment to the Town of Warren and the State of Rhode Island; and 7 WHEREAS, Mr. Frerichs was the beloved husband of Barbara Frerichs for forty years, 8 and together they built not only a loving family, but also a treasured community gathering place 9 at Frerichs Farm on Kinnicutt Ave in Warren; and 10 WHEREAS, After living in Barrington, Mr. Frerichs purchased his Warren farm in 1977, 11 transforming it over the ensuing decades into one of the region’s most beloved agricultural and 12 family destinations. Frerichs Farm became widely renowned throughout Southern New England 13 for hosting the Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Growers Weigh-Off, an event at which 14 numerous world records were established; and 15 WHEREAS, A man who truly loved children and valued family-centered community 16 traditions, Mr. Frerichs opened his farm to the public for more than forty years and hosted 17 countless memorable events, including Pumpkin Palooza, Fantasy Faire, Thrive Outside in the 18 Mud, the Ocean State Bluegrass Festival, the Mum Festival, and Girls Nite Out, creating 19 cherished memories for generations of Rhode Islanders and visitors alike; and 20 WHEREAS, Dedicated to public service and civic engagement, Mr. Frerichs served the 1 Town of Warren with distinction for twelve years as a member of the Warren Town Council, 2 including two years as Council President. He also generously devoted his time and talents to the 3 Warren Conservation Commission, the Open Space Committee, the State Farm Service Agency, 4 and the USDA Farm Service Agency; and 5 WHEREAS, Mr. Frerichs was a proud member of the Kickemuit Grange and for many 6 years contributed his creativity and community spirit to the Bristol Fourth of July Parade by 7 building floats that earned “Best in Parade” honors; and 8 WHEREAS, Throughout his life, David Frerichs was widely admired for his quiet 9 dignity, fairness, patience, intelligence, and thoughtful leadership. Friends and colleagues 10 remembered him as a true gentleman who treated everyone with kindness and respect, 11 approached every issue with care and deliberation, and remained steadfast in his public duties 12 despite personal health challenges; and 13 WHEREAS, In addition to his beloved wife, Barbara, Mr. Frerichs leaves behind his 14 loving daughter, Marcia Sirois, and her husband, Bryan, as well as his cherished grandchildren, 15 Alex Pedini, Connor Pedini, Nathan Sirois, Emma Frerichs, and Thomas Frerichs. He was 16 predeceased by his sons, David S. Frerichs, Jr. and Jason D. Frerichs, and by his siblings, John 17 and Betsy Frerichs; and 18 WHEREAS, The passing of David Frerichs leaves a profound void in the lives of his 19 family, friends, and the entire Warren community, yet his legacy of kindness, public service, 20 generosity, and community spirit will long endure and continue to inspire all who had the 21 privilege to know him; now, therefore be it 22 RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 23 expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of David Sunley Frerichs and extends its sincere 24 sympathy to his family and loved ones; and be it further 25 RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 26 transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Barbara Frerichs and Family. ======== LC006498 ======== LC006498 - Page 2 of 2