William Patrick Frost PhD

June 26, 1932 – September 1, 2026

Dr. William P. Frost, born Wilhelm Vrasdonk, lived a life beautifully defined by his deep Catholic faith, profound academic scholarship, and an enduring dedication to religion, education, ethics, writing, publishing, and counseling. An accomplished theologian, scholar, and author, Dr. Frost contributed significantly to theological and religious discourse through original journal articles, book reviews, conferences, and published books.

He published several influential books with academic publishers like The Edwin Mellen Press and University Press of America, including Following Joseph Campbell's Lead in the Search for Jesus' Father, What is the New Age? Defining Third Millennium Consciousness, Transcendental Ethics, Roots of American Religiousness, Frontiers in Brain and Dream Research, The Future Significance of Civilization, Visions of the Divine, and Engineering & Christian Ethics.

Born on June 26, 1932, in Bergen, Netherlands, to Catharina and Nicolaas Vrasdonk, he grew up in a family of thirteen children, leaving behind Jacintha, Joost and Sjeen. Navigating his formative years during the hardships of World War II, he developed a deep resilience, lasting devotion, and a lifelong commitment to human service that shaped his entire life. His path was destined for the Catholic Church, education, and intellectual inquiry. He began his advanced studies at the Julius Maximilian University in Würzburg, Germany, before attending the Carolus Magnus University of Nijmegen in Holland, where he received his Doctorandus degree.

Upon completing his studies in Europe, he taught courses in ethics and Christian morality before immigrating to the United States in 1965. Dr. Frost continued his academic and professional development in America, earning a Master’s degree in Education from Loyola University Chicago in 1966. The following year, after serving as a marriage counselor for the Family Center in Chicago, he became a certified counselor. In March 1967, he joined the Department of Theological Studies at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. He was promoted to associate professor in 1973, ultimately earning his Doctorate in Philosophy.

For decades, Dr. Frost shared his passion for knowledge as a dedicated Professor of Religious Studies and Ethics. At the University of Dayton, he was widely known for organizing innovative courses that bridged the worlds of science, philosophy, and faith, including Evolution and Ethics.

While Dr. Frost was a brilliant scholar, an inspiring educator, a psychological counselor, and a writer, his family—formed in later years—remained his greatest joy. He was a loving husband to Mimi Frost, a steady, dependable, deeply encouraging, and devoted stepfather to Birgitta, Shirin, Romano and a proud grandfather of their seven children Anthony, Natalie, Ben, Thomas, Tatiana, Joshua, Sophia and two great-grandchildren; Didi and an encouraging brother.

Towards the end of his life's journey, Dr. Frost met immense physical challenges from a stroke with unwavering strength and quiet determination. His family will forever remember him for his practical, persistent, and grateful philosophy on life, beautifully captured in his signature daily phrases: “Be Good”, “Make it work”, “Keep going”, and “That’s good”. His rich legacy of intellectual curiosity, resilience, love of God, and service lives on through his family, his former students, and the academic community he so deeply impacted. He is deeply missed.

A Private Graveside Service will be held at David's Cemetery, 4600 Mad River Road, Kettering, Ohio 45429. Condolences may be dent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com