With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Arthur Calvin Frisbie, 97,
on June 22, 2023, at his home in Homosassa, Fl, surrounded by his loving Family
“Art”, as he was affectionately called, was born to Ross Silas Frisbie and Lena (Cron) Frisbie on November 15, 1925 in Stroudsburg, PA. Art was the youngest of 4 children and lived with his parents and siblings until graduating from East Stroudsburg High School in 1943. Art was always sentimental about family and carried the memories of his childhood home in his heart for his entire life, quick to share stories with everyone he met.
Art served his Country by enlisting in the Navy in 1943, stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii until Honorably Discharged in 1946. His security role as Base Mail Censor laid the foundation for a lifetime of respect for other peoples’ privacy. In Hawaii, Art purchased his first car in 1945 for $700, a ’38 LaSalle, triggering his lifelong passion for automobiles!
By 1948, Art had relocated with his parents to Newton, NJ to pursue his dream for buying and selling used cars. He managed a small one-pump gas station on Water St that also sold milk, bread and penny candy. It was then that he agreed to a blind date his mother was anxious to set up with her hairdresser, Rita Marie Miller, from the Elite Beauty Shop on Spring St, Newton. Upon meeting the beautiful redhead, he instantly fell in love and the rest is history! Their lifelong storybook journey together began at their wedding at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Newton on September 24, 1949.
In early 1950, Art opened a used car lot on Water St he called “Honest Art’s”, accurately reflecting what would become his signature business style of honesty, integrity and valued customer service.
Over the course of the next 20 years, Art & Rita were blessed with 10 beautiful children, all of which were born in Newton Hospital, baptized in St. Joseph’s as well as being raised and educated Catholic, attending St. Joseph’s Parochial School on Halsted St and Pope John XXIII HS in Sparta.
Art’s successful automotive dealership career spanned nearly 5 decades, (most of which were located right on Water St where his career began!) and included: Managing Trinity Motors (Mopars/Triumphs, late 50’s-1970); purchasing and running his own dealership, Dailey-Wilson Pontiac/Buick/GMC in Sussex, NJ (1970-1985); Sales Rep after selling his Dealership to S&M in Sussex (1985-1995); returning to Water St, Newton after retirement to open “Frisbie Enterprises” used cars (1996-2000)
A respected pillar of church and community, Art was appointed to the Newton Housing Authority in 1970 which undertook the construction of Liberty Towers, a senior citizen complex on Liberty St. In 1972, the Town of Newton appointed Art as Councilman, which he served for 29 yrs (being elected as Mayor six times) until announcing to family and friends his “official retirement” in 2001.
Art enjoyed travel but never without Rita! Over the years they repeated trips to Bermuda and Las Vegas. Favorite road trips by themselves, with relatives, close friends or family included excursions to Detroit, New England, Atlantic City (always enjoying the casinos and shows) as well as many trips to Florida (including the infamous station-wagon trip with the kids)!
For decades, Art loved playing golf with favorite foursomes, participating in various annual outings and always looked for any chance to play with his sons. His personal outlook on golf was never about his technique or score, but rather “having a helluva time” and amazingly, Art was swinging his clubs well into his 90’s!
In April 2001, Art & Rita purchased their dream retirement home, complete with pool, in Sugarmill Woods, Homosassa and quickly adapted to “living life to the fullest”. For 20 yrs, this home was their pride and joy, self-decorated and meticulously maintained, the likes of which could have been featured in Better Homes & Gardens. They took pleasure in hosting parties and enjoyed mutual interests such as flea markets, casinos and shows, concerts, movies and dining out. Art volunteered on the “Neighborhood Watch” security detail and truly took pride in and enjoyed his 12 yr stint. In 2021, Art & Rita moved to a brand new ranch in the over-55 community of Walden Woods South and were truly blessed with the outpouring of welcoming warmth from their younger neighbors. Meaningful friendships developed, as they continued to keep up their social and religious lifestyle. Art joined a Thursday poker night which he enjoyed weekly and where he developed a close bond with his new buddies.
Devout Catholics, they attended St Thomas the Apostle Church for all Sunday, Holyday and holiday services without fail and developed special relationships with parishioners and Pastors alike. Rosaries were always prayed when travelling.
Selfless devotion to Rita and their family was Art’s driving force. Together, they created wonderful, lasting traditions and memories to be passed on for generations to come. He made friends wherever he was and impacted all those he met, including complete strangers, sustaining many friendships of all ages. His endearing, genuine personality and his gift for small talk was unmatched. Art will be missed by countless people, undeniably a special man who made everyone feel genuinely important in his life. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, humility and generosity.
Upon his passing, Art was joyously reunited with his Loving Daughter Sharon Frisbie Benton (2008); his Parents, Brother Donald and Sisters Norma and Hazel; his Parents-in-Law Charles & Catherine Miller and Brother-in-Law William “Brod” Miller; and a multitude of friends and loved ones.
Left to cherish Art’s memory include the “Love of His Life”, his Bride of over 73 years, Rita Frisbie, of Homosassa, FL; his 9 Beloved Children: Kathleen Frisbie of Homosassa, FL; Eileen Kithcart of Newton, NJ; Maureen (John) Iwanicki of Newton, NJ; Coleen Frisbie of Homosassa, FL; Arthur (Lisa) Frisbie of Wantage, NJ; Thomas (Kim) Frisbie of Branchville, NJ; David (Kim) Frisbie of Canfield, OH; Karen Frisbie (John Traub) of Myrtle Beach, SC; and Kevin Frisbie (Moriah DeForge) of Sarasota, FL; 23 adoring Grandchildren and 40 precious Great-Grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, extended family members, neighbors and friends across the US, most notably his dear friend of 40 yrs, Richard Myers of Newton, NJ.
A Memorial Mass in Art’s Honor will be offered on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 11 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Homosassa with Fr. Glenn Diaz, Pastor and dear family friend, officiating.
Cremation arrangements are under the care of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be considered in Art’s name to your local Veterans of Foreign War, an organization very close to his heart.
The Frisbie Children extend their thanks and gratitude to all those who gave their unending love, support, nurturing and professional care to our Dad and continue to bestow on our Mom during this most difficult time in our lives. May God Bless You All.
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