H 8572

2026 -- H 8572
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LC006498
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  STATE  OF        RHODE  ISLAND
  IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
  ____________
  HOUSE RESOLUTION
   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
1WHEREAS, 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
4WHEREAS, 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
7WHEREAS, 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
10WHEREAS, 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
15WHEREAS, 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
20WHEREAS, 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
5WHEREAS, 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
8WHEREAS, 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
13WHEREAS, 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
18WHEREAS, 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
22RESOLVED, 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
25RESOLVED, 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.
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