Robert Curtis “Bob” Friese, Sr.

GARNER -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), 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.