Not Forgotten: Schuylkill Township Police Chief John James Frye

MONTCO AND CHESCO —Longtime law enforcement officer, Schuylkill Township Police Chief John Frye of East Norriton, passed away on Monday, Jan. 29. He was 52.

Born Dec. 3, 1971, in the Juniata section of Philadelphia, he was the son of Theresa (nee Miraglia) Frye, and the late John Jacob Frye. John was the best friend and soulmate of his beloved bride Tamara (nee Avallone) Frye.

John was a graduate of North Catholic High School, Class of 1989. John graduated from the Philadelphia Police Academy and served in Cheltenham Township. He worked his way through the ranks and served as Police Chief. John retired after 26 years in Cheltenham. He was a member of the Montgomery and Chester County Police Chief’s Associations as well as serving as a member of the Eastern Montgomery Swat team for many years.

In December 0f 2021, Frye was appointed police chief of Schuylkill Township, Chester County.

Frye brought a tremendous amount of knowledge to the department, his co-workers wrote in a tribute on Facebook. Frye sent officers to an instruction-level certification course to provide officers with training in many areas.

“He wasted no time getting to work improving our department and made it his first order of business to complete the accreditation process that started before he arrived,” the department wrote.

The department reached its accreditation.

“This is a feat that would not have been possible without his leadership,” the department wrote in the tribute.

Frye's greatest love and passion was for his family. He was a dedicated father and would be seen at every one of his children's events standing on the sidelines or in the stands cheering them on. He even coached softball and baseball when his children played, according to his obituary.

He is survived by his two children; Justin Nicholas Frye and Jordan Nicole Frye, his sister Tina Frye, along with brothers; Christopher and Kevin Frye.

Relatives and friends are invited to John's Life Celebration on Sunday, Feb. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Boyd-Horrox-Givnish of East Norriton, 200 West Germantown Pike, 610-277-7000, and again on Monday, Feb. 5, from 9 10:50 a.m. at Visitation BVM Church 190 N. Trooper Road, Norristown.

His Funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's name can be made to the Montgomery County Hero Fund, available here, or FBI National Academy Association Charitable Foundation available here.

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