Edward J Frede

Edward “Ed” Frede passed November 6th, 2021 after a 6 year battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He is survived by his loving wife Vicki (nee Baumgartner) Frede of 49 years. His devoted children: Amy (Kelly) Crowley and Drew (Jessica) Frede. His adored grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as Paw Paw: Hannah Crowley, Sydney Crowley, Kyler Frede and Jackson Frede. His siblings: Jim (Jeanne) Frede, Mary Frede, Richard Frede and the late Joe (Patty) Frede.

After serving in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Vietnam War, Ed began his working career in the corporate world where he spent more than 35 years. He then made the leap into the real estate world where he was a member of the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors for over 17 years. This became Ed’s true calling as he quickly earned the trust and respect of his colleagues and clients, most of whom he eventually called friends. As he stated in his Agent Mission Statement: “It is my goal to be recognized by my clients and peers, as a friend who delivers all aspects of real estate service, with honor, dignity and the highest degree of quality and integrity.” He fulfilled this mission every day. Ed was a loyal friend, true confidant, and devoted family man through and through. He was the one person most people trusted for advice and guidance. He listened, never judged, and always had a way of telling you what you needed to hear.

As written by Ed’s daughter Amy…
Being loved unconditionally by a father does something to a girl. It gives her confidence, plants seeds of self-worth and teaches her to believe in herself. All of these things were gifted to me by my dad. He always told me i could do and be anything I wanted, and I believed him.

He wrote me a letter on my 16th birthday. In it he said: “when you were born, looking into your face for the first time I remember thinking, this is my proudest moment. My life’s greatest achievement. I remember being so moved by the sight of you that I could barely speak…I miss holding you in my arms; having you fall asleep on my shoulder; and comforting you when you were sad. You have grown up, you are a young lady, but never forget for even one moment that you were then, you are now, and will always be my little girl.”

I kept that letter because even at 16, I knew it was special.

He wrote me many letters - while away at school, on big birthdays, on my wedding day. Each one filled with advice and guidance but always filled with love. So much love that I could almost feel it seeping through the ink on the paper.

He also loved my mom. In fact, he adored her. He always said she was way out of his league. And while he could be stubborn, show his temper and give a good argument now and then, I always knew they loved each other. They were a team - loving, caring role models for me and my brother.

And boy did he love having a son. Someone to watch football with (especially their beloved Bengals) and share power tools with and many other manly things I wasn’t aware of. And while my brother would tell you they sometimes butted heads like many fathers and sons do, he too felt the unconditional love we all did. My dad would do anything and be anywhere for him.

He was also an incredibly proud pawpaw. He always secretly told each one of his grandchildren that they were his favorite and they believed him. And as they grew older, he gave them the same advice and guidance he once gave me.

Yes, my dad could be serious and very emotional but damn was he also funny. If you knew him well, you know what I mean. He was always quick with a one-liner or a jab but always in good fun and never, ever mean spirited. He kept us all laughing until the very end. There was one day at hospice while we were all visiting. The guy next door literally sounded like he may have just seen the light and dad casually says “hey, if that guy’s got a good lung, I’ll take it!” We laughed a little too hard at that poor guy’s expense.

He could also have a good time. Trust me, I heard the stories. From his days in the service to too many late-night family parties, his Coldwell Banker happy hours and even on our wedding day, he definitely knew how to have a good time. But what I remember the most is his love of hosting family parties. I always remember having Christmas and Thanksgiving at our house EVERY year growing up. He always had the bar stocked. Mom had the house looking fabulous and the food smelling delicious. But what i remember the most is that they did it together. He wasn’t the kind of man who sat on the couch while the wife did everything. He cleaned, helped make appetizers and always manned the bar. No doubt, it’s where I got my hosting skills.

I could go on and on and talk about his enduring faith, his love for this country and his time in the service and how his worldly knowledge was something I was always in awe of. I wish we all could have spent more time with him, but it wasn’t what God planned for us. I’m thankful we had as much time as we did, got the chance to say to him what we wanted to say and got to hold his hand while we figured things out. He left a lasting impression on this Earth, touched many lives, and loved many, many people who loved him even more.

He was the kindest, warmest, sweetest son, brother, father, husband, pawpaw, father-in-law, brother-in-law, friend, and everyone’s favorite philosopher. We are all lucky to have known him and this “little girl” is one proud daughter. -Love you, dad.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation Friday evening November 12th from 5-8 pm at the Dalbert Woodruff and Isenogle Funeral Home 2880 Boudinot Avenue at Queen City Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45238 followed by Mass of Christian Burial Saturday November 13th 11 am at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church 810 Neeb Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45233. If desired, memorial donations can be made in Ed’s memory to Hospice of Cincinnati (Donations accepted at the funeral home, or by clicking the link below)