Albert J. “Bud” Friess, 91, passed away on May 28, 2012.
He was born January 2, 1921 in Akron.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Irene (Dettling); sisters, Dolores Stephenson and Phyllis Bell.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ione (Beyer); children, Christine (Jerry) Mays of Pleasant Lake, Ind., Polly Friess of Copley, and Michael (Mary) Friess of Akron; grandchildren, Bryan Mays, Karyn Christenson, Ione and Alex Friess; and four great-grandchildren.
Bud was a charter member of St. Sebastian Church. He graduated from The University of Akron where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. After graduation, he was commissioned an officer and served in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations in World War II; he was awarded the Purple Heart in Italy. He retired from the U.S. Army Reserves with the rank of Lt. Colonel. After returning from the war, he worked with his father at A.J. Friess Jewelers on Main Street in downtown Akron then changed career direction and retired from Goodyear in 1983 with over 25 years of service.
Bud enjoyed traveling to Myrtle Beach and Florida, specifically Destin and Long Boat Key, listening to classical music and Big Band Sounds of 40’s and 50’s, drives in the Ohio countryside, reading, retirement, but most of all, his life with Ione.
His affiliations included being a 50 year member of American Legion Post 19, life member Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th degree, member of Reserve Officers Assn., West Akron Kiwanis, TROA, NAWCC and Summit County Historical Society. He served on Boards and Councils for Catholic Social Services of Summit County, Catholic Charities Services Corp. in Cleveland, Area Agency on Aging, Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) and United Way Allocations. Bud’s volunteer work included Akron General Medical Center, SCORE, and Tax Counseling for Elders (AARP).
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 1 at St. Sebastian Church, 476 Mull Ave., Akron, 44320. Interment will take place at 10:15 a.m. on MONDAY, JUNE 4, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Family will receive friends at Hummel Funeral Home, 500 E. Exchange St., Akron, on Thursday, May 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Summit County Historical Society, 550 Copley Rd., Akron, OH 44320, or St. Sebastian School Tuition Fund, 476 Mull Ave., Akron, OH 44320. Please visit www.hummelcares.com to share a memory or to send a condolence.