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Jacob Frey was "taken home" on the very early morning of March 26th. Present during those final moments in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) room were a compassionate nurse and his family: Daniel, Sharon and their mom Shula, myself and our dear friend Barbara. We watched him take his last assisted breath at 12:30 a.m. Jack had been on life support and on three or four medications administered intravenously.

On March 2nd Jack went through the emergency room and initially was admitted for pneumonia. Subsequently, a series of events occurred to deteriorate his condition over the span of twenty-four days-and ultimately his last four were in the ICU.

Jack and I had a closely knit relationship for a good ten years-even though I knew him for quite a number of years prior-from the dialysis unit where I worked for twenty-four years (I retired last year) and where he received his treatments three times a week. In 1988 Jack had a kidney transplant, which enabled him to lead a more normal life off dialysis. He worked daily driving his van for a company that transported passengers from Riverdale to the downtown area and back-and wherever else he was needed. He enjoyed driving and Jack knew how to get anywhere in any of the five boroughs! If anyone needed directions how to get someplace anywhere in the tri-state area, they knew always to ask Jack. He was always so gracious to convey the needed information.

During those fourteen years with the successful transplant Jack had triple bypass heart surgery with the insertion of a "stint" to prevent any further problems. Later, he had surgery to remove his gall bladder. Jack was able to do almost anything from shopping, driving, walking and dancing to traveling with Daniel to any number of mental health seminars. He was New York City Voices' Director of Circulation and organized bulk mailings for over 3,000 subscribers! Jack was very supportive to Daniel in connection to mental health advocacy and co-facilitated the weekly Bronx Awakenings support groups at my house (see p24 under "support groups").

Ken Steele started the ball rolling with his accomplishments once his "voices stopped" after he started taking the new medication Risperdal in 1994. Another miracle happened when we (myself and Jack) found Ken on the TV show "Four Stories" from which we wrote down his personal information to contact him for Daniel-and I know everyone is aware of what transpired from that point on!

Now-Ken, my daughter Lisa and Jack are all together, not having a care in the world. In fact, they are now with God and are able to help us down here. They are all at peace.

Jacob Frey was a patient, loveable and loyal soul to his children Daniel and Sharon, to their mom Shula and to his longtime and nearby formed friends. Most of the time he overextended himself, helping out anyone who needed his time and services.

He was an ardent lover of PBS and often you would find him taping historical and/or informational programs. Jack was an avid nature lover, enjoyed architecture, history and the origins of religions. Music in general and songs from the 50s and 60s in particular always stirred his fancy as did a good book. Jack was a "people person"-always lending to a conversation and making it stimulating and challenging.

He loved being Daniel and Sharon's dad. They will miss him terribly as I will and do already.

Jack's death was untimely-he turned 61 while in the hospital. Sharon said she was overjoyed that they spent quality time together the last few years. Daniel could say the same-they had good times together also.

My time with him was precious and special-we had a unique relationship and we spent some good times with Shula also-especially going to the jazz concerts at the Yonkers pier last summer!

Jack was definitely a special human being; a special father; a special friend.