In Memoriam

It is with sadness that we learned of the passing of Bart Frye on August 11, 2023. Bart was a longtime member of the TowneBank Norfolk board and made significant contributions to our region. 

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Randolph Macon College and then a master’s degree in public administration and finance from Syracuse University. He started his career in Hampton Roads with the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority and later moved to the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority.  

In 1978, he established his own company Frye Properties, with the mission to create places where people love to live and leave lasting legacies in our community. Bart was the developer of the East Beach neighborhood in Norfolk as well as the Cavalier Residences in Virginia Beach as part of the renovation of the historic Cavalier Hotel complex. 

His love of horses inspired him to create the Virginia Beach Polo Club in 1987 at his Alpha Omega Farm, where he hosted many events supporting nonprofits throughout the region. He served on numerous boards including the Virginia Beach Agricultural Advisory Commission, Greater Norfolk Corporation, and Festevents. 

“Bart always had a lot of confidence in anything he was doing. And his confident way allowed other people around him to be more confident as well,” said Bob Aston, TowneBank executive chairman. 

“Bart was a founding member of our Norfolk board and was instrumental in helping that region become the second largest market by deposits in our company. He was truly a valued member of our Towne family. We will sorely miss him,” said Billy Foster, TowneBank president and CEO. 

The Towne family extends sincere condolences to Bart’s family including his wife, Abigail, daughter, Stephanie, and grandsons William and John.