Richard A. Frye September 9, 1942 ~ October 6, 2022 (age 80) Obituary & Services Tribute Wall Donations Obituary Richard A. Frye departed this life on Thursday October 6, 2022. He was born September 9, 1942 in Saint Louis, Missouri to Thomas and Mary Ellen Frye. Richard was a proud product and son of East Saint Louis “East Boogie’, Illinois, often sharing the legacy of excellence of his hometown. He graduated from Lincoln High School and continued to follow their athletic and band programs. Richard joined the United States Air Force where he served for many years. He was very proud of having served in the military; it meant a lot to him. After serving, Richard earned an undergraduate and graduate degree from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. ‘ Richard worked in financial services and urban planning industries. He eventually found his niche within higher education and the TRIO community. His work focused on ensuring underrepresented students access and progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs. He spent over 40 years as an administrator, grant writer/reader, trainer and consultant of TRIO programs at the local, regional and national level. Richard served as President of statewide and national education access professional associations, like Ohio TRIO (Formerly OAEOPD), EOA (Formerly MAEOPP) and COE (Formerly NCEOA). Later in his career, he served as President and CEO of the Association of Education Excellence. Thousands of students have been able to achieve their educational and professional goals through Richard's dedication to helping them.