BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Staff Writer

Independence Township residents mourned Ortonville resident Garrett Frezza after the 36-year-old passed away after he was hit by a car while crossing M-15 on foot, Feb. 26.
His legacy will live on.
Frezza was the owner and facility manager of GOB Gymnastics and Cheer in Ortonville. He was also head coach and leader at GOB and worked with multiple local high schools in addition to serving as a coaching official with USA Gymnastics and the Amateur Athletic Union.
Several students from Independence Elementary were students of Frezza’s and in an email to parents, Principal Nate Fuller said grief counseling was offered to those students.
“Several of our students have been impacted with the recent loss of Coach Garrett from GOB Gymnastics,” wrote Fuller. “I wanted to let you know that this morning (Feb. 28), our Social Worker, Kelly Thompson, pulled our Bronco students that attend classes at GOB to support them. They also created a paper book with writings and pictures that we will be sending to GOB.”
A GoFundMe page was set up to help Frezza’s family.
In just five days, more than $27,000 was raised by 340 people in the campaign. The goal is set at $30,000.
“Garrett was well known in the community, through GOB Gymnastics, where he was the leader of the gym as well as the kind heart people would experience whenever walking through the doors,” the message continued. “Please help donate to this great family, any amount will be more appreciated than anyone could imagine. Garrett was so loved and will be missed by many, truly heartbreaking.”
Frezza is survived by his wife, Jessica, who he married on April 3, 2009, in Clarkston; two children, Gavin and Hazel; his parents, Paul and Julie Frezza; a brother, Paul Frezza, II; a sister, Amanda (Gary) Hall; and grandparents, John and Judy Marchessault; in addition to many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Frezza’s life was on March 4 at Bridgewood Church.