Henry J. Friel

Architect Henry J Friel Jr., age 93, passed away on Thursday, August 19th. He lived a full and active life with many worldwide adventures. Born in Pennsylvania, his family drove across the country to settle in Long Beach, CA in 1919. Loving the beach community, he and his high school sweetheart and wife of 60 years, Stanley Friel, settled in Redondo Beach. He graduated from the USC School of Architecture on June 7th, 1942, the day before his first daughter was born. As a lifelong Trojan fan he helped found one of the first Trojan Clubs. When he wasn't cheering on the USC football team, he could often be found exploring the outdoors, hiking the Sierra Nevada for weeks, camping, rafting, and fishing. He was also extremely active in the community. He was the Redondo Beach planning commissioner for 22 years and he maintained a lifelong AIA membership. As one of the first architects of the South Bay, he is best known for his design of Tony's on the Pier in Redondo Beach and the Harbor Master building. After his wife Stanley passed in 1997, he spent his remaining years in Ridgecrest, CA where he enjoyed the hot desert air. He is survived by his sister Geraldine Miller of San Diego, CA, and four children: Katharine Friel of Nipomo, CA; Terri Allred of Shelton, WA; Jay Friel of Ridgecrest, CA; and Laurel Shepherd of Kingman, AZ. Henry was "Opa" to 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Friend to many, he was greatly loved and will be sorely missed.

A visitation will be held at McCormick Mortuary, 1998 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, on Tuesday, August 24, from 4:00 to 8:00 with Rosary at 7:00. Mass will be held the following day at St. James Church on Pacific Coast Highway at 10:00 AM with interment immediately following at Green Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ridgecrest Regional Hospital Hospice, 1653 Triangle Dr., Ridgecrest, CA 93555.