Dr. Carl Harvey Friebel, Jr., 78, passed away Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville with his family by his side. He was born January 30,1947 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Carl Harvey Friebel, Sr. and Evelyn Daenz Friebel.
While Carl had a strong belief in the importance of formal education, he was equally passionate about seeking knowledge in an informal manner. Whether it was checking out “how to” books from the public library to learn how to build his own home in WV or spending time in the local ACE Hardware store asking questions or attending concerts and plays, or traveling all around the world with Rita, Carl was truly a lifelong learner recognizing the value of each lesson and experience.
Carl had many talents ranging from handyman skills to golfing but one of his greatest was simply the way he treated others. His inquisitive nature knew no limits. When Carl spent time with someone, he was sure to ask about them, their family, their lives, and more. He made each person he encountered feel like the most important person in the room. In later years, Carl could be found on the golf cart volunteering at Hammock Beach State Park transporting visitors from the ferry to the beach and back. He not only enjoyed the salt air and beautiful scenery but he found a simple joy in making personal connections with those he served.
Above all, Carl’s biggest source of joy was spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rita Gerbitz Friebel of the home; sons, Ryan Friebel (Beth) of Oak Hill, WV and Ross Friebel (Stacie) of Stella; grandchildren, Shyanne, Madison, Turner, and Kamryn; and a great granddaughter, Evelyn.
He was preceded in death by his son, Casey Friebel and his brother, David Friebel.
Friends are invited to gather for a casual, floating celebration of life on May 13th from 4:00-7:00pm at 400 Riverside Lane, Stella, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fishin’ For A Cure (https://www.fishinforacure.com/), Folds of Honor (https://foldsofhonor.org/), Samaritan”s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org) or a charity of one’s choice.
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