Henry Frey, 76, longtime Unisys union steward, dies

Hicksville resident Henry Frey spent his career as an electrical engineer for Sperry Corp., which later became Unisys Corp., working on defense projects and radar systems.

But it was his role as union steward at the company that gave him the most satisfaction, said Karin Frey, his wife of 42 years.

"He enjoyed helping people solve problems," she said of her husband, known as Hank, who died Oct. 6 of a heart attack at age 76. "Just about everybody got along with him, including the bosses. He had a great understanding of people."

Frey spent years as a union official at the company's Great Neck plant and continued to hold regular meetings with union members and retirees at a local Chinese buffet restaurant even after his own retirement and right up until his death. Karin Frey said he often got phone calls from employees seeking his advice on various issues.

"I think he just really enjoyed helping people get things done," said his son, Russell, who lives in Virginia.

Frey was a willing mediator at work, his relatives said, but he was also prepared to stand up and fight for his membership. Russell Frey recalled that his father was once suspended during a dispute with a boss. Frey worked at Sperry and then at Unisys, which took over Sperry in the 1980s, for more than 30 years.

At home, Frey was a devoted and easygoing father, encouraging his sons Russell and Glen, who lives in California. Russell Frey said his father was a key supporter when he launched his own educational company years ago.

Karin Frey recalled that a week after they were married, her grandmother found herself without a place to live. Hank Frey offered to have her move in without a moment's hesitation, even though they hadn't even found a place of their own yet.

"He was a great family man," Karin Frey said. "We were married for 42 years, and I'm not exactly the easiest person."

Frey was cremated, and his wife said a burial service for family and close friends has not yet been scheduled.