Passed away on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Adventist Medical Center with his beloved wife, Debra, holding his hand and singing to him one of his favorite spiritual songs.
He was 51. He had bravely battled metastatic prostate cancer for just over a year. He fought with grace and generosity, raising money for cancer research and supporting many online friends also struggling to enjoy every day despite the disease.
Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, he graduated from Classical High School and attended University of Massachusetts Amherst. He moved to California in 1993, met his future wife and married in 1995.
He was the third off our children born to the late Faith L. (Hubbard) Friss and Raymond E. Friss.
Greg worked as a respiratory therapist and supervisor at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. He was grateful for the colleagues who reached out after his diagnosis, offering support and holding a
festive lunch for his birthday in August. Greg (with his brother, Glenn) was an avid fan of Boston sports
teams, especially the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox, celebrating with Red Sox nation
when the team won the World Series this year. He and Debbie also supported and enjoyed their local
team, as season ticket holders for the Fresno Grizzlies.
Greg and Debbie were members of The Quest Church in Fresno, where Greg helped set up the sound
system. Greg played the drums, one of several instruments which he mastered.
Greg's generous spirit showed itself early. When his little sister, Patti, was heartbroken over a teenage
breakup, he handed over his credit card and the keys to his prized Z28 Camaro so she could treat herself
to some retail therapy.
Greg was a lifelong learner. He read and researched constantly, which led him to join an online worldwide cycling community and later to participate in several online groups of cancer survivors.
He was grateful to nurses and doctors who cared for him, especially Bryson Cancer Center and Sequoia
Regional Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology.
Greg spoke often of his gratitude for Debbie, who was his friend, partner and the love of his life.
