Obituary of Thomas E. Freer, Sr.

Thomas Eugene Freer Sr., 91, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at his home in Goldsboro, NC, surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born on April 8, 1933, in Cresskill, New Jersey, the son of the late George E. Freer Sr. and Marion Coffee Freer. Tom attended school in Cresskill, NJ and went on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955. Throughout his service, Tom was stationed at Shepherd Air Force Base, Texas, Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, and most notably, Pepperrell Air Force Base in St. John's, Newfoundland. In Newfoundland, Tom met the love of his life, Della. The two married on January 22, 1954, in St. John's, Newfoundland. Tom was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force, and the couple started their family in Cresskill, NJ. In 1968, the family relocated to North Kortright, New York, where they chose to settle permanently.

Tom was skilled in all trades; there was nothing he could not fix. He generously shared his immeasurable talent, excelling in oil burner service and appliance repair. Tom was the owner of the successful business, Sunrise Sales, in Stamford, NY. After retiring from the business, he began a second career at Stamford Central School as a school bus driver. He was dearly loved by his students and fellow staff. After retiring from SCS Tom and Della relocated to Goldsboro, NC with their daughter Joanne. Goldsboro evolved into a second hometown for the Freer Family. 

Tom was very active in the Stamford community where he raised his four children and grandchildren. He served as past president of the Kiwanis Club of Stamford, was a member of the Stamford VFW and Volunteer Fire Department, was a member of the Elks Lodge of Oneonta, NY, and the American Legion posts in both NY and NC. Tom greatly enjoyed his long-distance motorcycle trips with friends, summering in Newfoundland, bowling at Scotch Valley, and participating in the local square dance club. Tom and Della enjoyed their weekends dining out and attending auctions. In retirement they got the opportunity to travel the country with their daughter. They spent extended periods of time in Arizona and Texas, even appearing on the Price is Right gameshow in Los Angelas. 

Tom is survived by his daughter, Joanne (Floyd) Clark of Goldsboro, NC; sons, Russell (Mindy) Freer of Milford, NY, and Steven (Shannon) Freer of Goldsboro, NC; grandchildren, Jason (Kari) Svegl of Carrollton, GA, Jacob Svegl of Seattle, WA, Kellianne (Jacob) Bradshaw of Goldsboro, NC, Jessica (Derek) Carlson of Watervliet, NY, Kimberlee Freer of Saratoga Springs, NY, Abigail Freer of Atlanta, GA, Ethan Freer of Rome, NY, Corbyn (Autumn) Freer of Conklin, NY, Mackenzie Freer, Lillian Freer, and Kayleb Freer of Goldsboro, NC; great-grandchildren, Kali Svegl of Alabaster, AL, Thomas Svegl of Atlanta, GA, and Timothy and Theodore Freer of Conklin, NY. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as extended family in Canada and the United Kingdom.

Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lillian "Della" Freer; oldest son, Thomas E. Freer Jr.; brother, George E. (Helen) Freer Jr.; brother, James (Marie) Tyson; and sister, Mabel (Francis) Rodenbeck.

Tom will be dearly remembered for his kindness, strong work ethic, love for his family, and passion for his Newfoundland roots. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Gentiva Hospice in Goldsboro, NC, for their outstanding care and compassion. 

A graveside memorial service with military honors will be held on Friday, July 26th at 11:00 am at the North Kortright Cemetery, North Kortright, NY, between Stamford and Davenport, NY

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gentiva Hospice, Goldsboro, NC, in memory of Tom, or to the Stamford Central School Dollars for Scholars, in honor of the Freer family. 

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with the Freer family.

To watch a recording of Thomas's graveside service follow the link below.

THOMAS FREER SR. Service