Dear Editor,

I was very much saddened to learn of the recent passing of the Honorable Frank A, Fregiato, whom I have long considered to have been a true friend, as well as a long time area icon who contributed greatly in helping make Belmont County an even better place to live and to work.

Frank spent the bulk of his formative years growing up and attending public schools in the city of Martins Ferry, having attended South Elementary School, which was conveniently located across from his residence on Pearl Street, then attended Zane Central Junior High School and graduated from Martins ferry High School in 1970 where he was a member of the National Honor Society as a result of his excellence in the classroom.

Frank then graduated cum laude from The Ohio State University, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1973. Then Frank earned his law degree from The Ohio State University School of Law, also cum laude, in 1977.

Throughout his academic career, Frank’s performance in the classroom was exemplary in each of the levels of which he had participated. Shortly after entering his law degree, earning his law degree, Frank became a partner in the highly respected firm of Thomas, Fregiato, Myser, Hansen and Davies in Bridgeport, Ohio, from 1977 to 2013 until he became a Belmont County Common Pleas Court judge, a position he held from 2013 until his retirement in June 2023.

Also from 1997 to 2013, Frank served as a judge of the Belmont County Northern Division court, in addition to his work as a practicing attorney, as a member of his law firm.

Throughout his professional career, Frank had an exemplary reputation in the field of law, and was highly respected for his high level of expertise, as well as his willingness to always avail himself to those in need.

Several decades ago, during our youth, growing up in Martins Ferry, I predicted that Frank would one day go to Hollywood to become the next Tony Curtis, as a result of his innate ability to motivate, educate and entertain others, even at that early age, although I am quite convinced that Frank could well have had a very successful career in the entertainment industry, I feel the area has been blessed as a result of his longtime positive effect he has had on Belmont County and the Ohio Valley. Many thanks, my friend and may you rest in peace.

Richard Hord

Martins Ferry