Jay Allen Freschi, Sr. passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026,  his 86th birthday, while under the impeccable care of the loving staff of the Doak Walker Care Center in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Jay was a well-loved and adored member of the Steamboat Springs community for over 25 years. Prior to a medical event in 2018, Jay frequented his favorite watering hole, Sunpies, where he was affectionately known as "Old Man Jay". After the aforementioned medical event, and when he was strong enough, Jay returned to Sunpies where he was greeted with a standing ovation. Needless to say, there wasn't a dry eye in the house!  He was also a frequent flyer at Creekside Cafe where he enjoyed regular breakfast and Freshies for lunch.

Jay wasn't a materialistic man, but rather loved his family deeply, instilling in them the importance of relationships over money and possessions. And by his example, he taught his family to demonstrate kindness and compassion to animals.

Jay had quite a wry sense of humor. In fact, upon his passing, his family learned that Jay had requested Willie Nelson's "Roll me up and smoke me when I die" be played routinely at the Doak. So it seemed only fitting, that while he was being rolled out to the hearse, that staff lined up to pay their respects while rocking out to Willie's song!

Jay was born in Washington, DC in 1940 and is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Audrey Freschi, and his beloved sister, Joanne Freschi. Jay's survivors include his daughters Christa Gardner and Josie Freschi (Bruce Dean), and his son Jay (Gina) Freschi, Jr. He also leaves behind several grandchildren including David (Jennifer) Gardner, Chelsea Gardner, Jenilee (Shawn) Gienger, Jay Michael (Kelsie) Freschi, Brian Freschi, Anna Dean, and Smith Dean. Jay also had several great grandchildren including Ava Appel, Zoey Appel, Lucy Gienger, Elli Gienger, Owen Gardner and Thomas Jay Freschi.

A celebration of Jay's life will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at the Steamboat Springs Community Center starting at 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. A toast to Jay will be at 4:20 p.m.