Farewell to a Legend: Family and Friends Gather for Ace Frehley’s Funeral

A private memorial service honoring Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of Kiss, took place on Tuesday in Yonkers, New York. The intimate ceremony was attended by Frehley’s fellow founding bandmates Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss, marking a rare reunion of the group’s original lineup.

The following day, a funeral service was held for Frehley, who passed away on October 16 at the age of 74.

Emotional Farewell Among Bandmates

According to Tampa Bay Music News, emotions ran high during the memorial. “Peter Criss was sobbing. He and Ace were the best of friends,” a source told the outlet. “While Gene and Paul were the business guys, Ace and Peter were the rock ’n’ roll party boys. They were Kiss’s version of Aerosmith’s Toxic Twins.”

The gathering served as both a farewell and a celebration of Frehley’s influential career — one that helped shape Kiss’s sound and stage identity through the band’s early years.

Declining Health in His Final Weeks

Frehley had reportedly been battling a series of health challenges in the weeks leading up to his death. In late September, he was hospitalized after a fall in his recording studio, forcing him to cancel an upcoming concert. Soon after, he announced the cancellation of his remaining 2025 tour dates due to “ongoing medical issues.”

Tragically, a second and more serious fall occurred shortly thereafter, which led to a brain bleed and Frehley being placed on life support.

In a statement, Frehley’s family expressed their grief and gratitude:

“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers, and intentions as he left this earth. We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever.”

Kiss Pays Tribute to Their “Irreplaceable Rock Soldier”

Following his passing, current and former members of Kiss shared heartfelt tributes to their former bandmate. In a joint statement, the group wrote:

“He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative, foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of Kiss’s legacy.”

As fans and peers continue to mourn his loss, Frehley’s legacy as the “Spaceman” and one of rock’s most distinctive guitarists remains firmly etched in music history.