John A. 'Jack' Freas
Aug. 1, 1932 - July 18, 2019
John A. "Jack" Freas, 86, Altoona, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday morning at Maybrook Hills Rehabilitation Center.
He was born in Altoona, son of the late George M. and Nellie M (Wertman) Freas. On Sept. 22, 1952, he married the love of his life Phyllis M. Kelley in Winchester, W.Va., and she preceded him in death Feb. 16, 2011.
Surviving are his children: Deborah L. (Bruce) Garman, Jon A. (Claudia) Freas, both of Hollidaysburg and Jodi A. Pohl (Joseph Frank) of Altoona; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a brother, David (Joanne) Freas of Dublin, Ohio; many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Helen Ott, and by an infant brother Charles Freas.
He was a 1950 graduate of Altoona High School. He served in the Korean Conflict as a US. Army staff sergeant specialist in communications and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 1961. Jack was a co-owner of Wilts Florists with his wife until 1998, and he was an insurance broker for his entire career, working for Northwestern Mutual, Principal Financial and State Farm, and making many friends along the way.
Jack worked as a volunteer starting in 1999 for the Altoona Hospital/UPMC Altoona where he was president of the hospital's auxiliary for five years and was a life member of Calvary Baptist Church. He was a member of the Jaffa Temple Blue Lodge, where he received his 50 year pin and a proud member of the Jaffa Highlanders. He was a past-president of the Easter Seals of Pa., American Business Club and a life member of the NRA and Bavarian Club.
He enjoyed hunting, crossword puzzles, genealogy and volunteering.
Jack loved his family.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at The Good Funeral Home Inc., Alto-Reste Park, Pastor Ron Anderson officiating. Interment will be at Alto-Reste Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the National Down Syndrome Society, 8 E. 41st St. 8th Floor, New York, NY 10017, or to Autism Society, 4340 E. West Highway #350, Bethesda, MD 20814
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