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/

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