Richard D. Frary

Obituary to follow

Richard D. Frary, M.D.

Richard D. Frary, of Barrington, RI, died on Monday October 16, 2023 at the Rhode Island Hospital.  He was 93.  He is survived by his wife Joan Scott Frary of 68 years, and his sons and their families: Stephen and Patricia of Jamestown, RI, Clinton of Derry, NH, and Adam of Andover, MA, and their children: Elizabeth and Nathaniel, Grace and Audrey, and Cameron and Anjali.  He was predeceased by his oldest son Jeffrey, and his sister Eloise F. Wood.

He was the son of Stanley Hall Frary and Doris Ireland Frary.  Born in Dover, NH, he was raised in Longmeadow, MA, and was a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter NH, Class of 1948.  He earned his B.A. Degree, cum laude, from Amherst College Class of 1952 and his M.D. from Boston University School of Medicine in 1956.  Following two years of Medical Residency at Boston City Hospital, he joined the US Navy and was assigned to the Naval Hospital in St. Albans, NY where he spent two years on the Tuberculosis Service.  Upon completion, he returned to Rhode Island and completed another year of Internal Medicine Residency followed by a Fellowship in Cardiology at Rhode Island Hospital. 

In 1962 he opened his office at 110 Lockwood Street in Providence for the practice of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, eventually moving to 1525 Wampanoag Trail in East Providence, and retiring in May 1994.  He was a member of the American Medical Association and served several years on the Council of the RI Medical Society.  He was a past President of the Bristol County Medical Society and a past President of the RI Chapter of the American Society of Internal Medicine.  He also served on the boards of the RI Lung Association and the RI Chapter of the American Heart Association. He was an early member of the Faculty of the Brown Medical School.  In addition, he was a long term member of the Barrington Yacht Club and served several years on the Barrington Harbor Commission. 

Dick loved the field of medicine and treating patients and their families, many of whom became lifelong friends. He was devoted to providing the best care that he could.  We have many memories of him answering a late night phone call, and getting dressed to head out to a patients home with his doctor’s bag to provide personal, hands on care.  He named his first boat Integrity, which was a fitting tribute to the way he conducted his life.  He instilled in all his children a sense of responsibility and purpose. He worked tirelessly to increase his knowledge and stay up to date with the latest medical advances, and there was always a stack of periodicals and newsletters beside his easy chair in the den. Even during his last hospital stay, he was coaching the staff on proper procedure.  He never complained, and he made us proud to see such devotion and dedication. One of our fondest memories was going ‘on rounds’ with him at the hospital when he was visiting his patients, and seeing how he interacted with the staff and patients.  Everyone was charmed by his manner and nature, and confident in his abilities.

Dining room table conversations were spirited, and often challenging, as he encouraged us to broaden our perspectives of the world. His smart insights taught us to love learning, and to better prepare for the next dinner.  He greatly enjoyed the trips abroad he took with Joan, and cruising and racing on their Pearson 33 sailboat Phalarope. He was dependent on her companionship, and the two of them always wanted to do everything together.  She was a real mainstay for him, and he loved her more than anyone.  Visits to and from their six grandchildren were the high point of his retirement. He was always loyal to his Red Sox and Patriots, and had said, “When I’m gone, they’ll have to get along without me.”

A dedicated servant to society, and devoted and committed family man and friend, we will miss his sense of humor at the annual New Years Eve parties and backyard cookouts with his close friends, who were so important to him, and added so much happiness to his life.

Calling hours will be held on Friday November 3rd, 2023 from 11am-1pm at the Smith-Mason Funeral Home at 398 Willett Ave, Riverside, RI 02915.  Burial in Dover, NH will be private.

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