Robert Frelow

Robert Dean Frelow Sr

August 1, 1932 - September 25, 2026

"When you do your best the best will come out of you" was a phrase Robert used to inspire his fellow educators, friends and family. It echoed his positivity that made all around him feel his passion for life, love and people. His love for his wife Rena enduring and their travels around the world produced a pathway to books he would write and stories he would share.

Since his days architecting the desegregation of schools in Berkely, California to his days as an education leader in Greenburgh, NY, his positive impact on people's lives has been felt. He had a belief that all children could learn and he had a vision for how to build a foundation for quality teaching and learning. But most of all, his love of family and friends was a driving force in his life. His smile always present. His voice always sincere and caring. The twinkle in his eyes the window to his beautiful soul. September 25 in the middle of the night he left this world and moved on to the next. But he left with us lasting memories and a legacy that will live on with his children Robert Jr, Frederick, Michael, and stepchildren, Martin and Ruth.

Robert was born in Seminole, OK in 1932 to Florence and Jasper Frelow and had a sister Louise. They would move to Oakland, California where Jasper found work on the railroad pounding stakes into tracks. It was there that the family took root and flourished. Robert would go to McClymonds High School and play sports with future sports stars Bill Russell, Curt Flood and Frank Robinson. They were childhood friends that would instantly recognize each other decades later. Robert would join the Air Force and become a navigator. He would share stories of his flights and reading the stars in the sky. He would later go to college in San Francisco and get his PHD at University of California, Berkely where he authored his dissertation. This study and document was used to end segregation in Berkely schools. The same school system that Kamala Harris would attend in its second year of the program and speak of as changing the course of her life. In 1970 Robert would move the family across the country to White Plains, NY and become Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Greenburgh. He would later become the district's Superintendent until 1991 when he retired. He would be recognized in Who's Who in America for his accomplishments in Education. The district would also honor him with the Robert Dean Frelow Center located in Woodlands High School.

Robert is survived by his children Robert and spouse Jackie, Fred and spouse Vicky, Michael and step children Ruth and Marty Hersh.

Grandchildren: Robert III and spouse Saron, Jessica, Derek and Odis

Great Grandchildren: Marlo, Violet, Jordan, Kai