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Henry "Hank" Frydel, Jr., 80

ADAMS, Mass. —  

Henry "Hank" Frydel, Jr., 80, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2026, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. He was a resident of Fredericksburg, Virginia and a member of St. Mary's Parish. Born in Adams, Massachusetts where he lived until he was 15, he then moved to Pittsfield to a home built by his Dad.

He attended schools in Adams for elementary and jr. high school. Upon moving to Pittsfield, he attended school at PHS where he played baseball his sophomore through senior years. Upon graduating from high school in 1965, he enlisted in the Marines for four years and served in Vietnam. Upon returning from Vietnam he was stationed in Quantico, Virginia and was a member of their "All Star" baseball team. He was scouted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and the N.Y. Yankees while on the "All Star" team. He then attended the University of Massachusetts for 4 years on the GI Bill and graduated with a degree in sports history.

After UMass, he moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia where he was employed by the State as a "right of ways" technician and later worked for Fairfax County as a tax appraiser. He loved playing on Fairfax County's softball team. He recently retired in 2026 at the age of 79.

While in Virginia, he did volunteer work on Saturdays with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He also came to the Berkshires every May to place flags on veterans' graves for Memorial Day. He was once interviewed by Spectrum News during this volunteer activity which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans Group in Pittsfield and the Adams Historical Society.

Baseball "defined" Hank. It was his greatest "love". He was a big supporter of the Washington Senators and the Washington Nationals. His favorite football team, however, was the New England Patriots and he especially admired Tom Brady.

Hank was predeceased by his parents, Henry Frydel, Sr. and Helene Murach Frydel as well as his nephew, Chris Kuta. Hank leaves his sister, Joanie and her husband, Dave. He also leaves his niece and godchild, Michelle and her husband, Aleks and is a great uncle to their daughter, Mila.

Funeral services will be held next summer on a date to be announced in Adams. Burial will be at his parents' gravesite at Bellevue Cemetery.

The PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, is in charge of arrangements.

To leave a message of condolence, please go to www.paciorekfuneral.com.


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God Bless My Cousin Hank, Glad I got to see you again a few years ago, now your at peace in Heaven with God.
from: Lynn Learyon: 11-04-2026

Hank Frydel, was a kind human being and a great coworker. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP!
from: Milagros D Woolsonon: 10-25-2026

What a fine fellow he was. The most dedicated worker i have had the pleasure to work with. A great friend and fellow vvietnam veteran who always did his best in life. His memory will be with me and others who knew him.
from: Gary Atkinson: 10-25-2026

Rest in peace, my friend. Hank Frydel, You were always there to help those in need, and you welcomed every conversation with an open mind and an open heart. Your kindness, compassion, and willingness to help others will never be forgotten. It was a privilege to have worked alongside you. You will be deeply missed, but your kindness and the positive impact you made on others will live on. Rest in peace, my friend. You will never be forgotten.
from: Magdy Atyaon: 10-23-2026

Hank was both a friend and a colleague, and his passing is deeply felt. His faith was evident in the way he carried himself—through his kindness, his patience, and the way he consistently served others with humility and sincerity. Those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him were better for it. As I reflect on his life, I am reminded of the Scripture: *“Hank fought the good fight, he has finished his race, and he kept the faith.”* His legacy of integrity and dedication will stay with all of us. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, Hank will be truly missed.
Sincerely,
Charles
from: Charles Hodgeon: 10-23-2026

I worked with Hank for several years in Fairfax County. He always had a smile on his face, and I loved seeing him on "pay day Fridays." He was a joy to work with and a wonderful person. I loved his baseball knowledge and enjoyed all the tidbits he shared over the years. Hank, you will be missed!
from: Katie Timmson: 10-23-2026

I always enjoyed talking baseball with Hank. He was such a kind and generous friend. My condolences to his family.
from: Lee Sottileon: 10-22-2026

I worked with Hank for over 35 years. We had many great talks about baseball. He was a kind and gentle soul who recently sent me a book about the local history where my wife and I lived for 38 years. Heaven has another Marine and a player for their baseball team.
from: Howard Goodieon: 10-22-2026

I worked with Hank at Fairfax County for 29 years. He was always ready with a smile, or a joke, and baseball trivia without fail! His loss really hurts, but Heaven has gained a real angel. Rest in peace, friend.
from: Cristina Scalise on: 10-22-2026

Joan, The world is a lesser place without Hank. He was a simple man who loved God, his family and his country. He was so dependable, I set my calendar by his visits home (first week of May-4th of July-Labor Day week-Thanksgiving and Christmas). I enjoyed talking baseball and Civil War history and our phone calls to our friend Russ in Florida. I will miss him terribly. He was truly a good man!
Sincerely.
from: PAUL HERMANSKIon: 10-16-2026

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