I received an interesting message on another site, and it came with a request. The lady writing it told me that her only brother had committed suicide the week prier. He had recently been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and depression, and was going through some difficult times. In the aftermath of her brother’s death she started researching more into AS and found some statistics showing that aspies had higher suicide rates than neurotypicals. This alarmed her and, in honor/memory of her brother, she decided to spread the word. One day when she isn’t so busy she wishes to set up an informative website in his honor with this and other information and links to other sites of informational and support basis. Until then she is trying to spread the word as best she can. She read on my page that I have Asperger’s Syndrome which lead to her contacting me. She requested that I tell her brother’s story and encourage those who may be thinking of suicide to seek help from family, friends or a supporter of some kind; to realize that you are not alone and do not need to take those measures. She hopes that the knowledge of her brother’s death and the statistics may help others. I have agreed to post this here for her and include his obituary, written by their mother.
DAVID NEAL FRIDENSTINE December 14 1967 - March 3, 2008 Beloved Husband of Hea Jung Cho Beloved Son Of Judy Caskey & Frederick A. Olverson And Neal D. Fridenstine & Joyce W. Mullins
At the time of his passing, David Fridenstine was an Associate Engineer with Kroll Security Group in Reston, Virginia. Some of his recent work included the schematic design of the security management for the U. S Institute of Peace; construction administration at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms headquarters building; and construction administration of the security upgrade at the Securities and Exchange Commission operations center. All who ever worked with him thought he was exceedingly skillful at his work, super hard working, and the best person anyone could ever hope to be. David had degrees in Business Administration from Old Dominion University and Germanna College - magna cum laude. At Randolph-Macon Academy, David was Corps Commander,Valedictorian, Student Council President and National Honor Society President. As a youngster, David’s favorite holiday was probably Easter, though for secular reasons. He never tired of the Great Easter Egg Hunt till he was a young teenager. As an older, gangly teenager, all legs and elbows, David took great delight in landing in his mother’s lap for affection moments. In retrospect, it undoubtedly was with love, but probably also a mischievous teenager taking delight in squashing his mother. David was sympatico with his father’s interest in flying, took it up himself, and though proficient beforehand, legally had to wait to solo till the age of sixteen. Though he was the recipient of two nominations to the Air Force Academy, one from his Congressman and one from his high school, David chose not to attend the Air Force Academy because he wouldn’t have been able to fly for the Air Force due to imperfect vision. Over the years, David worked in construction and security systems and put himself through college. Over his young adult years, he couldn’t find a wife soulmate till he found Miss Hea Jung Cho, also known as Jenny. They had a beautiful wedding of blended Occidental and Korean Traditions. When he went down the aisle with his bride, he was the happiest many family members and friends had ever seen him. Hea Jung was always saying,“ David handsome husband’ Look like Kevin Costner’” David enjoyed dressing well. As a military student, his uniforms and accoutrements would be impeccable. As a business man, he would appear to have just stepped out of GQ magazine. Being on the water was one of David’s favorite things to do, whether it was sailing or buzzing around in a small powerboat discovering beaches and watching the stars and moon playing on the water. David was a firearms enthusiast and an award winning marksman. What a lot of people don’t know is that for some length of time he was a certified firearms instructor and on occasion instructed abused women on how to defend themselves from their abusers. In high school, David was 1st chair clarinetist and drum major for his school’s military band. He carried his love of music with him throughout his life. He toyed classical music and blues/jazz. David loved fine food and for the past recent years it is probably safe to say that some of his happiest times were enjoying gourmet Korean cuisine prepared by his mother-in-law, Mrs. Cho, and wife Hea Jung He loved hanging around the BBQ grill with his father-in-Law, Mr. Cho. David was a camera bug and took hundreds of fine photos. The-faster-the-better cars were important to David. And he had the speeding rapsheet - or two or three or more .- to prove it. A few years ago, David learned about a highly functioning form of adult autism known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Though he was not officially diagnosed as having same, his investigation into Asperger’s left him convinced that he had this condition. There is some scientific evidence that Aspies, as they call themselves, are neurologically hard-wired a little differently from the rest of the population. This condition may have been a contributing factor in David’s passing. David’s family and friends thought he was perfect just as he was, but unfortunately David evidently didn’t agree with the majority opinion. Interested family and friends may want to make a contribution in David’s memory to an Asperger or Autism support foundation. David is survived by his aforementioned parents and wife; his sister Lynn M. Lennon and husband, Mike, nephews Weylen Slay and Michael Lennon; Mr. & Mrs. Ken Cho, Mr. & Mrs. Young Cho; Mr. & Mrs. Brian Yu niece Caroline Yu and nephew John Yu. The funeral service for David Fridenstine is being held at 3:00 p.m. Friday,, March 7 at Currie Funeral Home, Kilmarnock, Virginia, conducted by The Reverend Scott Dillard, Rector of Wicomico Parish Church, Wicomico Church, Virginia. Interment and reception following at St. Mary’s White Chapel, Lively. Virginia. Pallbearers are Young Cho, Brian Yu, Stephen Trice, John Olverson. Adam Mullins and Christopher Sobray. It is our hope and prayer that we will one day be with David again. Likewise, it is our hope and prayer that David has found the peace of spirit in his next life which was so elusive to him in this life.
07 Apr 2008, 5:29 pm
