Peter Ward Friez

Peter Ward Friez went to be with our Lord on July 18th, 2021.  He passed peacefully surrounded by family.  He loved and was loved deeply and leaves an indelible mark on those who knew him. Born October 3rd, 1946, in Waterbury, Connecticut, he was a resident of the Village of Richfield for more than 25 years.

Peter, a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, family member and a great friend, loved celebrating holidays, hosting Christmas and the annual Oktoberfest!    He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, listening to music (especially his beloved Eagles), reading, watching movies, woodworking, doing projects in his shop, and watching sprint car races.  Peter loved to care for his dogs (Harley, Max, Mickey, Eli and Honey) and they loved him too!  At a very early age, Peter showed an interest in mechanical equipment; taking apart anything he could find to discover how it worked.  An accomplished mechanical engineer, Peter studied manufacturing technology at Waterbury State Technical College, and was a lifetime member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.  A consummate leader, he inspired and nurtured his employees and co-workers to succeed, always willing to roll up his sleeves to help.  In Connecticut, Peter worked for Scovill Manufacturing and TFI as an equipment designer.  When TFI was acquired by Ball Corporation, Peter relocated to Akron, Ohio.  During his time at Ball (LumenX, Yxlon) as Chief Mechanical Engineer, he designed many technologically advanced Industrial X-ray and Machine Vision inspection systems for the Aerospace, Automotive, Food Processing and Medical Industries.  He also held a position as president of Universal Precision Products (Akron) and owned and operated a custom equipment manufacturing company that service the steel industry. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Christine Friez; daughters, Melissa Friez (Wayne Unkefer), and his children David and Austin Unkefer and Aimee Carruthers (Robert); and their daughter EmmaLee; stepson Gregory Janke (Mandy), and their children Riley, Hailey and Will; sisters Susan Rustic, Kristan Lanoie and Linda Friez, nieces and extended family who loved him dearly.  Preceeded in death by his parents Mary and Henry Friez, brother David Friez, and daughter’s mother Joyce Moncrief.  

Family and friends may visit from 4-8 PM on Friday July 30, 2021 at Billow Funeral Home 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, Ohio 44333. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday July 31, 2021 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St, Akron, 44313. The church recommends social distancing with the seating and masks optional for those vaccinated. 

Memorial donations may be made to Paws and Prayers pet rescue, P.O. Box 67166 Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44222-7166, (330)475-8300, fax (330)940-2340. 

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.