2026 -- H 8572

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LC006498

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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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

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of David

Sunley Frerichs, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, farmer, businessman, public servant, and

cherished member of the Warren community; and

     WHEREAS, Born to the late Ernest and Sarah Frerichs, Mr. Frerichs was a man of

tremendous character, humility, and dedication whose life was defined by service to others, love

of family, and commitment to the Town of Warren and the State of Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Frerichs was the beloved husband of Barbara Frerichs for forty years,

and together they built not only a loving family, but also a treasured community gathering place

at Frerichs Farm on Kinnicutt Ave in Warren; and

     WHEREAS, After living in Barrington, Mr. Frerichs purchased his Warren farm in 1977,

transforming it over the ensuing decades into one of the region’s most beloved agricultural and

family destinations. Frerichs Farm became widely renowned throughout Southern New England

for hosting the Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Growers Weigh-Off, an event at which

numerous world records were established; and

     WHEREAS, A man who truly loved children and valued family-centered community

traditions, Mr. Frerichs opened his farm to the public for more than forty years and hosted

countless memorable events, including Pumpkin Palooza, Fantasy Faire, Thrive Outside in the

Mud, the Ocean State Bluegrass Festival, the Mum Festival, and Girls Nite Out, creating

cherished memories for generations of Rhode Islanders and visitors alike; and

     WHEREAS, Dedicated to public service and civic engagement, Mr. Frerichs served the

Town of Warren with distinction for twelve years as a member of the Warren Town Council,

including two years as Council President. He also generously devoted his time and talents to the

Warren Conservation Commission, the Open Space Committee, the State Farm Service Agency,

and the USDA Farm Service Agency; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Frerichs was a proud member of the Kickemuit Grange and for many

years contributed his creativity and community spirit to the Bristol Fourth of July Parade by

building floats that earned “Best in Parade” honors; and

     WHEREAS, Throughout his life, David Frerichs was widely admired for his quiet

dignity, fairness, patience, intelligence, and thoughtful leadership. Friends and colleagues

remembered him as a true gentleman who treated everyone with kindness and respect,

approached every issue with care and deliberation, and remained steadfast in his public duties

despite personal health challenges; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his beloved wife, Barbara, Mr. Frerichs leaves behind his

loving daughter, Marcia Sirois, and her husband, Bryan, as well as his cherished grandchildren,

Alex Pedini, Connor Pedini, Nathan Sirois, Emma Frerichs, and Thomas Frerichs. He was

predeceased by his sons, David S. Frerichs, Jr. and Jason D. Frerichs, and by his siblings, John

and Betsy Frerichs; and

     WHEREAS, The passing of David Frerichs leaves a profound void in the lives of his

family, friends, and the entire Warren community, yet his legacy of kindness, public service,

generosity, and community spirit will long endure and continue to inspire all who had the

privilege to know him; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of David Sunley Frerichs and extends its sincere

sympathy to his family and loved ones; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Barbara Frerichs and Family.

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