Robert D. Frey

To watch Rob's service please click here.

Robert D. Frey, 39, of Montoursville, known affectionately as Rob to his friends and family, passed away unexpectedly June 29, 2025.

Born July 10, 1985, in Williamsport, he is a son of Deborah S. (Klotz) Frey of South Williamsport and David L. Frey.

Rob's early years were filled with joy and a deep connection to his family's legacy of aviation and military service. His passion for all things aviation was evident at a young age.  His love of family, country, and aviation would shape much of his life's path.

He was a 2003 graduate of South Williamsport High School and was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for over 21 years. He started his military service as an Apache Mechanic.  After completing flight school, he served as a Chief Warrant Officer 2, flying Black Hawk helicopters on medivac missions while serving his country on deployments in locations including Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Kosovo. His service also included time as a Maintenance Test Pilot.  The bonds he formed through his military service became lifelong friendships he deeply cherished.

In his civilian career, Rob was respected and admired as a Life Flight Pilot for Geisinger. His Life Flight colleagues became an extension of family to him. His work was not just a job but a calling, as he played a crucial role in saving lives and providing critical care to those in need.

Rob operated at 2 speeds, idle and full-throttle rarely wasting time on anything in between. His many pet projects revealed an incredible analytical mind that could solve nearly any mechanical issue. His cue of projects was always longer than the time available to work on them. He saw potential in nearly every broken-down vehicle he encountered. That perspective was true of people as well. He rarely saw the flaws in others, instead choosing to focus on their potential. 

Rob lit up every room he entered. He was a man who truly enjoyed having a good time, whether it was spending time outdoors with friends or simply being in the company of his loved ones. Any gathering of family or friends regularly devolved into storytelling and jokes with the room inundated by his infectious laugh that will be sorely missed.  Christmas dinner will never be the same without him arriving in a ridiculous robe, trooper hat, and slippers to announce “Merry Christmas - $h!t*er’s Full” A natural storyteller, he brought laughter wherever he went often through his spot-on voice impressions, massive mental collection of movie one-liners, or his unexpected Australian accent on the radio in flight.

Rob was a skilled photographer, an avid hunter, and a friend to many, especially those with ties to the military. He loved to explore the world with loved ones by his side. He described his trips to Hawaii with Nicole as trips of a lifetime and longed to return. Also, an animal lover, Rob adored he & Nicole’s Rottweilers Mina and Gunny.

The void left by Rob's passing will be deeply felt by his family. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Nicole (Wasileski) Frey; a daughter, Bella; two brothers, Dan Frey (Randi Lynn) and AJ Frey (Natalie); his sisters, Pascha Ferry (David) and Chanda Grimes; an uncle, Jonathan Klotz (Susan) of Williamsport; his cherished nieces and nephews Abel, Uriah, Avery, Emmett, Tiernan, Liam, Maread, Brendan, and Calla; beloved cousins, Heather Newhart (Ryan), Olivia Segear (Steven), Kaitlyn and Hannah Klotz; his father-in-law, Jeffrey Wasileski; and a large circle of extended family members and friends.

He shared a close bond with all of his grandparents R. David & Mary Frey and Robert & Margaret Klotz, along with mother-in-law, Toni Wasileski who preceded him in death.

In addition to his biological nieces and nephews, “Uncle Rob” was a cherished title bestowed on him by a wide circle of young cousins and friends. He absolutely lit up when the opportunity to badger, tease, and entertain young souls presented itself.  In turn, he is dearly loved and will be missed by them.

A viewing will be held from 9-11 a.m. on Monday, July 7 at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond St. Williamsport. A funeral service to honor Rob’s life will be held 12 p.m. Monday, July 7 at the Energy Aviation Hangar, 580 S. Loyalsock Ave., Montoursville. The family will also receive friends following the funeral service on Monday until 3 p.m. at the Energy Aviation Hangar during a Celebration of Life.

Memorial contributions in Rob’s name may be made to The Headstrong Project, P.O. Box 412572 Boston, MA 02241 or online at theheadstrongproject.org

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