Frederic C. Dreyer, Jr.

Frederic C. Dreyer, Jr. “Rick”, age, 87 of Naples, Florida and a former Greater Fall River area resident passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 8, 2022 with his family by his side. Rick was a dynamic visionary and healthcare professional, inspiring community leader and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a devout Catholic who attended daily mass as an active member of St Peter the Apostle in Naples, and St Joseph Guardian of the Holy Family Parish in Falmouth during summers; in recent years, he had been an active member of St Nicholas of Myra in North Dighton. He also was a member of The First Congregational Church in Fall River where he attended every Sunday with his wife Karen.

Born in Darby, PA on December 17, 1934, the son of the late Eva A. (Edwards) and Fred C. Dreyer. Rick graduated from Springfield High School class of 1954 and went on to attend Worcester’s Becker Junior College where he met the love of his life, Karen Stapelfeld whom he married in June 1964. Rick furthered his education at Suffolk University where he earned his BS degree followed by an MBA in health care administration from The George Washington University, Washington DC. In retirement, he received a Master’s degree in Theology from Andover Newton Theological School and was an American College of Health Care Executives Life Fellow.

Rick often said that had it not been for the U.S.Army he might never have gone to college – let alone become the chief executive of a major hospital system. After dropping out of high school in 11th grade, he entered the merchant marines before finishing his high school diploma. In 1955 he volunteered for the draft and was assigned from the 101st Airborne Division to the US Army Medical Corps at Ft Sam Houston, Texas. He volunteered to be reassigned to the US Army 98 General Hospital in Neubrucke Germany where he served as a medic, and administrative/telecommunication duties. This experience gave him his first exposure to hospital operations which inspired him to pursue a career in hospital administration. He re-enlisted in the medical reserves from 1986-1999 as a commissioned officer with a rank of major and received two honorable discharges from the US Army.

In 1965, he came to Union Hospital in Fall River as an assistant administrator. In 1969, he became the youngest hospital CEO in New England at age 34. He had long been a vigorous advocate for the regionalization of Southeastern MA healthcare as the best way to preserve the voluntary healthcare system. He played a key role in the successful merger of Union and Truesdale Hospitals into the Charlton Health System and became the system’s first president. He went on to lay the groundwork for the consolidation of Charlton, St Luke’s and Tobey hospitals into the Southcoast Hospitals Group, and was named honorary trustee and president emeritus of this system. He also served as a member of the American Hospital Association and a member of its Committee on Governance. His lustrous career as President/CEO spanned over 30 years. He created a hospital culture of caring, always reminding employees of their mission to serve the patients with the utmost care and respect. He was kind, giving and personable, routinely walking the halls late at night to thank and offer hugs to every level of employee. Also in 1996, the Southcoast board of Trustees named the main lobby at the Charlton site the Frederic C. Dreyer, Jr lobby.

Also In 1996, Rick received the coveted “Outstanding Citizen Award” by the Greater Fall River Chamber of Commerce recognizing his service on a host of committees, boards and organizations in the city of Fall River ranging from the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, Office of Economic Development, Coalition of Educational Excellence, Hospice Outreach and he was President of the Rotary Club. In 1997, he received a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Mass Dartmouth for his extraordinary gifts of time, energy, and for his caring and charismatic leadership in propelling Southeastern Mass, particularly Fall River, along the path to a better life.

Rick was active and physically fit his entire life and was proud that his weight fluctuated only a few pounds throughout his life. He continued a daily routine of weights and exercises earning him his nickname of “Olympian” by his Primary Care doctor. As a young boy he was enchanted with a horse, Sunny, that was pastured near his home and made a deal with the owner to care for in exchange for letting him ride, which was the beginning of his love for horses and his cherished Arabian horse Nabask. He also enjoyed sailing and powerboating throughout the Vineyard Sound in Cape Cod where he and his wife Karen enjoyed their summer home for over 40 years – this home became a hub for family members far and near to reunite for summer gatherings. Rick also was a private pilot and loved the freedom of viewing his beloved Fall River area from the skies above. He did everything with flare and lived life to the fullest. In his 80s, he entered a bike race around Newport, RI and came in first for his age group. He also had a love of music, and was an accomplished drummer, having had played in a band in his youth; he also loved to dance and was recently caught teaching a group of teenagers how to jitterbug! In his retirement years, he took on the mission for many years helping his wife, Karen, with the full time care for her elderly parents, Ethel and Walter Stapelfeld.

Rick was predeceased in death by his beloved wife, Karen, in 2018, who was his strongest supporter and inspiration, since their first date on November 11, 1959. Rick was also known to his family as Freddie, Daddy and Granddaddy and Uncle Rick. He had a unique relationship with each person in his family whom he loved immensely. Rick made a lasting impact on everyone he met and was a stranger to no one. Throughout his many achievements he remained dedicated to his family; always cherishing family get-togethers and building strong relationships with his children, grandchildren and extended family. He is survived by his daughter, Carla Anne Henderson and husband David of Mamaroneck, NY; his son, William Dreyer and wife Catherine of Falmouth, MA; brother, Charles Dreyer and wife Robertine of NH; sister, Barbara Bardon of Hilton Head Island, SC; brother, William Dreyer and wife Bonnie of PA; sister-in-law, Carla Rock and husband Fred Frey of PA, brother-in-law, Norval Stapelfeld and wife Luda of NH; five grandchildren, Lauren, Julia and William Henderson; Nicholas and Carolyn Dreyer; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Rick never took a minute of his life for granted, living life to the fullest every single day. He was ever mindful that we never know when God will call us home. He accepted in faith that he will be transformed to life everlasting where he may meet all his loved ones again, which grounded him and gave him peace. In his family grave site, he inscribed on stone benches comforting bible verses: “Know that I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20), “What can be seen is temporary, what cannot be seen is eternal.”(2 Corinthians 4:17) “All generations and those not born are one with and in God” FCD

Rick’s family is grateful of the gift of his life. He lived a life of love, fulfillment, success, joy and the ability to help others, touching countless lives.

Rick’s Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, July 25 at 10 AM at St Anthony’s Church 167 East Falmouth Highway in East Falmouth, MA. Immediately following mass, relatives and close friends are invited to attend his burial with military honors at Oak Grove Cemetery in Falmouth.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be made to St Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Road, Loudonville NY, 12211.

Arrangements are in the care of the Waring-Sullivan Home in Fall River, MA.

For online tributes and directions, please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com.