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H8572
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
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WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of David
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Sunley Frerichs, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, farmer, businessman, public servant, and
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cherished member of the Warren community; and
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WHEREAS, Born to the late Ernest and Sarah Frerichs, Mr. Frerichs was a man of
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tremendous character, humility, and dedication whose life was defined by service to others, love
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of family, and commitment to the Town of Warren and the State of Rhode Island; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Frerichs was the beloved husband of Barbara Frerichs for forty years,
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and together they built not only a loving family, but also a treasured community gathering place
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at Frerichs Farm on Kinnicutt Ave in Warren; and
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WHEREAS, After living in Barrington, Mr. Frerichs purchased his Warren farm in 1977,
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transforming it over the ensuing decades into one of the region’s most beloved agricultural and
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family destinations. Frerichs Farm became widely renowned throughout Southern New England
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for hosting the Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Growers Weigh-Off, an event at which
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numerous world records were established; and
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WHEREAS, A man who truly loved children and valued family-centered community
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traditions, Mr. Frerichs opened his farm to the public for more than forty years and hosted
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countless memorable events, including Pumpkin Palooza, Fantasy Faire, Thrive Outside in the
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Mud, the Ocean State Bluegrass Festival, the Mum Festival, and Girls Nite Out, creating
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cherished memories for generations of Rhode Islanders and visitors alike; and
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WHEREAS, Dedicated to public service and civic engagement, Mr. Frerichs served the
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Town of Warren with distinction for twelve years as a member of the Warren Town Council,
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including two years as Council President. He also generously devoted his time and talents to the
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Warren Conservation Commission, the Open Space Committee, the State Farm Service Agency,
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and the USDA Farm Service Agency; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Frerichs was a proud member of the Kickemuit Grange and for many
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years contributed his creativity and community spirit to the Bristol Fourth of July Parade by
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building floats that earned “Best in Parade” honors; and
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WHEREAS, Throughout his life, David Frerichs was widely admired for his quiet
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dignity, fairness, patience, intelligence, and thoughtful leadership. Friends and colleagues
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remembered him as a true gentleman who treated everyone with kindness and respect,
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approached every issue with care and deliberation, and remained steadfast in his public duties
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despite personal health challenges; and
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WHEREAS, In addition to his beloved wife, Barbara, Mr. Frerichs leaves behind his
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loving daughter, Marcia Sirois, and her husband, Bryan, as well as his cherished grandchildren,
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Alex Pedini, Connor Pedini, Nathan Sirois, Emma Frerichs, and Thomas Frerichs. He was
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predeceased by his sons, David S. Frerichs, Jr. and Jason D. Frerichs, and by his siblings, John
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and Betsy Frerichs; and
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WHEREAS, The passing of David Frerichs leaves a profound void in the lives of his
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family, friends, and the entire Warren community, yet his legacy of kindness, public service,
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generosity, and community spirit will long endure and continue to inspire all who had the
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privilege to know him; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of David Sunley Frerichs and extends its sincere
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sympathy to his family and loved ones; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Barbara Frerichs and Family.
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