Albert L Frye

CUMBERLAND - Albert L. "Alby" Frye, a lifelong resident of Cumberland, passed away on July 2, 2017, at Gosnell House, at 91.

Alby was born May 14, 1926, one of eight children of Ernest C. Frye and Hazel Frye (Robbins). Alby was educated in Cumberland schools and graduated from Greely Institute.

On May 5, 1951, Alby married Barbara A. Seavey, of Yarmouth. In 1954, Alby and Barbara had a daughter, Deborah J. Frye. In 1957, their son, Roderick L. Frye, was born. Earlier this year, Alby and Barbara celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Alby and his father operated a large commercial poultry farm in Cumberland.In the early 1950s, Alby attended electronics school in Boston. Alby and Barbara founded Frye's Television in a small workshop behind their house. For several years, Alby served as the television repairman for hundreds of area families in the greater Portland area. Later, Alby and Barbara opened a store on Main Street in Cumberland, where they sold televisions, stereos, and appliances. The business motto was "We sell the Best and Service the rest."

Alby's next business venture was working in sales for Gates Rubber Company, opening accounts in Maine, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. Alby then went to work for Kem Manufacturing Corporation, Tucker, Ga., and New York, where he sold specialty chemicals. In 1977, Alby founded Bard Industries, a specialized industrial chemical company, which in later years also became a distributor for Molnlycke, an international hygiene and paper towel company. Bard was the first master distributor for Molnlycke in Northern New England. At its peak, Bard Industries had approximately 6,000 customers throughout Northern New England. Upon growing his customer base, Alby felt accomplished enough to retire in 2014.In addition to his business ventures, Alby enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. In 1963, Alby and his nephew, Lee "Sonny" F. Adams Jr., of Yarmouth, purchased a Cessna 172 Skyhawk, 8286X, which they flew between Maine and the Bahamas for a number of years. Alby was a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner, and a lifelong member of the Cumberland North Yarmouth Lions Club.

Alby is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughter, Deborah, of Cumberland; his son, Roderick, of Leesburgh, Fla.; a sister, Evelyn Thurston, of Cumberland; and many nieces and nephews. He also is survived by numerous friends and business associates, including Justice Carl 0. Bradford, friend and business associate James Johnston, and attorneys Daniel Nuzzi and Charles Hedrick. In addition, Alby is survived by his beloved toy poodle, Snicker.

The family gives special thanks to Dr. Peter Gordon, of Yarmouth; and Dr. Andrew Corsello, of Scarborough; for providing Alby with skillful and attentive medical care for many years. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Margaret Surroka for the meticulous care given to Alby during his most recent illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Lindquist Funeral Home, 1 Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth, on Sunday, July 9, 2017, from 3-7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Lindquist Funeral Home on Monday, July 10, 2017, at 2 p.m.

The family requests any memorial contributions go to

Maine Heart Association

51 U.S. Route One, # M

Scarborough, ME 04074, and

Gosnell Memorial Hospice House

11 Hunnewell Drive

Scarborough, ME 04074

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