In loving memory of
Edward Donald Fry

• September 08, 1935
• -
• November 21, 2019

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Edward Donald Fry, 84, (September 8th 1935/St Louis, Missouri–November 21st, 2019/North
Fort Myers, Florida)
Edward D Fry was born to Everette and Grace Fry in St Louis, MO. He attended Riverview
Gardens High School, Class of ‘53. He and Patricia Clarida married March 19, 1955 and began
their great adventure together.
He and his father built the Grafton Boat Works in Grafton, Illinois on the Mississippi River. From
1955-1971, they built countless commercial and private vessels. In 1972, he moved the family
to Pine Bluff, Arkansas and created the Steel Ship Corporation. Steel Ship completed 160
riverboats, barges and military vessels. Furthering his career Ed and Pat moved to Chicago, IL,
Houston, TX, Franklin, Tennessee, and ultimately to Ancona, Italy where he supervised the
construction and launching of the 239 foot long mega yacht, YALLA, a fitting end to his long and
productive career. Ed wanted to spend his retirement years in the warmth of the Florida sun
near the water and boats. He had built over 700 vessels in his lifetime, most importantly the
legendary Steel Kings and Navy Seal boats.
Ed traveled worldwide and logged over 3000 miles as a private pilot for 40 years. His renowned
expertise and his reputation for integrity in business took him to Turkey, Egypt, and
pre-Revolutionary Iran. A US Air Force veteran with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business
Administration from Southern Illinois University, Ed retained a lifelong love of learning. He
loved his work, his country, his family and his Christian faith. Generous, thoughtful and a patriot
of the old school, he made life fun by including us in his adventures whenever possible.
Edward is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia, daughters Leah Ann Taylor (Steven V) and
Andrea Lois Zomber (Michael) and grandchildren
Stevie Taylor, Grace Taylor, Matthew Taylor, Annie Taylor, Ella Zomber and Christopher
Zomber and Duke, his beloved dog. He was preceded in death by his only son, Edward D. Fry II
(November 1956-January 2012).
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to Glaucoma Research Foundation, 251 Post Street,
Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94108. https://getinvolved.glaucoma.org/

Family and friends may sign the guest register or leave a condolence message by visiting www.baldwincremation.com.  Affordable Cremations by Baldwin Brothers.