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Robert Curtis “Bob” Friese, Sr.
June 23, 1942 ~ July 31, 2020
Robert Curtis “Bob” Friese, Sr. was born June 23, 1942 in Brownwood, Texas. He graduated from Baker High School, Columbus, GA in 1960. Bob played a lot of roles in his career life but above all of that he loved and adored his wife, his children and grandchildren. He is a good role model and mentor to his kids, grandkids, nephews and to all the people who knew him personally and professionally. Bob’s life is and was in service to GOD, family, friends and to his country.
Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army in June of 1960 and served in the U.S. Army Security Agency 3rd, 5th and 7th Special Forces Groups and 1st Air Cavalry Division. He studied French at the Defense Language Institute where he graduated in 1963. He served combat tours in the Dominican Republic and South Vietnam. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in June of 1969. Bob is a graduate of Wake Technical Institute, and graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 1978, and attended the Northwestern University Police Administration Training Program in 1979.
Bob joined the Raleigh Police Department in 1969. He served the department faithfully and rose to the distinguished rank of Major. He was particularly proud of his service as the leader of the Selective Enforcement Unit (SWAT). He retired after 28 years with the Raleigh Police Department in December of 1997 as a Commanding Officer of Field Operations.
After retirement, Bob devoted his life helping his family, friends, community, his church and did voluntary work with Habitat for Humanity in coordination with his church in which he got the nickname “Bob the builder” because he just liked to help all the people he worked with.
There will be a private funeral service for family who have been already invited due to COVID-19.
Friends and extended family are welcome to come by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 5th between the hours of 1:00pm-5:00pm to pay their respects and sign the register book. The immediate family will not be present.
Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gloria Annette Wall Friese, sons; Curt Friese(Amy), Derek Friese(Celyn), brothers; Roch Filipiak(Elaine) '61, Jim Friese(Dottie), Roger Friese(Shelley), sister; Pat Shaw(Mike), Gloria Call(James), grandchildren; Alli Bennett, Bailey Friese, Jackson Friese, Sarah Lilly Friese, Kiersten Rojas and Wesley Nipper.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 6020 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, NC 27610.
The family would love to see stories that everyone has of him. Please add a story to the online obituary comment sections.
https://www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com/obits/obituaries/robert-curtis-bob-friese-sr/
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James Friese (1965)
A Brother’s Eulogy
My older brother Bob we laid to rest today
In Ebenezer Cemetery for eternity to stay
Near the country church he served and loved so well
And in which fifty-five years ago he wed his wife
A faithful and loving companion for the rest of their life
And those who observed their time will say
Bob loved and adored her the very same way
Eulogies began with Sadler ‘s ballad of the “Green Beret”
A reminder to mourners of those very few from the USA
Wearing silver wings upon their chests
Trained from among America’s bravest and best
And in whose elite ranks during the Vietnam War
Brother Bob soldiered with the Special Forces Corps
He was a “badass” the pastor would say
Not with bravado . . . but, in an affectionate way
Army Ranger and Paratrooper during his nine year tour
Bob then chose to risk his life for twenty-eight years more
Policing would be his choice of career
Serving and protecting with distinction year over year
Beat Cop, Detective, SWAT Team Leader, Hostage Negotiator, and
Repelling Instructor were only part of his job
Which he did with aplomb before retiring as Major Bob . . .
Though “badass” in action, you would never hear it from him
‘Cause Bob’s true loyalties were steadfastly to God, family, and friend
Should you need him he would always be there
And any trust confided handled with integrity and care
When dealing with others Bob honored the golden rule
And the last thing he wanted was to say or do anything cruel
In mourning his passing, I truly cannot recall
When it comes to time spent with Bob, one bad memory at all
Bob was example and role model of a life well spent
To everyone he met, wherever he went
To Annette, his wife and his sons, Derek and Curt
Whose love for he cherished and would always assert
To his extended family in the Tar Heel State
His chosen home where he would live out his fate
To every crew of a Habitat for Humanity job
Who affectionately deferred to “Builder Bob”
Alas . . . my older brother Bob we laid to rest today, and
I will sorely miss him I am very sad to say . . .
jefriese, July 6, 2020