Joseph Anthony Friet

On Sunday, August 7, 2022, Joseph Anthony Friet, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Sarasota, Florida alongside the love of his life, Mary, after a courageous 11-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Married for 62 years, Joseph and Mary shared a rare and beautiful love. Their marriage was inspirational; one of true commitment to each other and to their family. They were each other’s joy and source of strength throughout their life together until God called him home. Their love will last an eternity. Joseph was born January 25, 1938, in Ottawa, Illinois to Sylvester and Elizabeth Friet. He graduated from Ottawa Township High School and immediately starting working at Libbey Owens-Ford Glass Company in Naplate, Illinois. He spent 45 years working there and was very active as an Office Union Representative before retiring and moving to Sarasota, Florida. Joseph volunteered his time as a member and subsequently became Chief of Ottawa Civil Defense and Fire Rescue. He was dedicated to helping serve his community. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ottawa, Illinois. He volunteered and help coordinate the Muscular Dystrophy Telethons in Ottawa, Illinois in honor of his daughter, Sharon. Joseph was a hard worker who was dedicated to providing for his family. His interests included cars, carpentry, building, woodworking, and animals, especially dogs. He was athletic and an avid sports fan. He loved the Yankees, the Rays, and the Tampa Bay Lightning. He joins in heaven his parents, Sylvester and Elizabeth Friet, his daughter, Sharon along with his favorite dog, Polo. He is survived by his wife, Mary, his younger brother, Frank Friet and family, his daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be conducted on September 3, 2022, at 9:30 A.M. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, Florida, 34231. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to one of the following organizations. St. Thomas More Catholic Church https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/WeShare-20000148?tab=home Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Research https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate

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Joseph Anthony Friet

January 25, 1938 - August 7, 2022