John Freeh Sr.

1921 - 2016

John J. Freeh, Sr., 94, of Upper Saucon Twp., died on Friday, February 12, 2016. John breathed his last at home surrounded by his family during the final prayers of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. His happy, holy death crowned a life of service to God, family, friends, and neighbors. John was born March 13, 1921; the first son and second of thirteen children of the late Charles M. and Catherine Jamann Freeh. John was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 57 years, Mary T. Kilgour Freeh in 2008. An honors graduate of Lehigh University, BSEE, class of 1951, John retired from Bethlehem Steel as Superintendent of Electrical/Mechanical Maintenance, Saucon Division after 43 years of service. A World War II veteran, John served in the South China Sea during WWII as an electronic mate, 2nd class radio tech for the US Navy. In retirement, John became an adjunct professor at Northampton County Community College. A member of Assumption BVM, Colesville, PA since 1956, John was an active member of his parish and sang in the choir, taught CCD, and regularly visited nursing homes as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. A charter member of two Knights of Columbus councils, he is also a past president of the Holy Name Society of the Diocese of Allentown's Northampton Deanery. John loved music and was a life member of the Beethoven Maennerchor of Leithsville, PA. He was involved in the Lehigh University Alumni Home Club and is a founding member of Lehigh University's Newman Center. His community service included serving on the Upper Saucon Township Planning Commission. He is a past president of the Pennsylvania Chapter of Citizens for Educational Freedom and the Catholic Professional Men's Association; and was a National Director for the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers. Survivors: John will be dearly missed by his five children: John J. Freeh, Jr. and his wife Alice; Mary Beth Freeh; Susan Freeh; Kathy Farris and her husband Thomas; Ann Zang and her husband Cletus of Texas; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and by his sisters and brothers: Joe Freeh of Oklahoma; Elizabeth Linville of California; William Freeh of Maryland; Rev. Vincent T. Freeh, MSC of New York; and of Pennsylvania, James H. Freeh and his wife Alice, and Regina Clawson and her husband Robert; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews of his large extended family. Services: Visitation hours will be held on Friday, February 19, from 6-9 pm at Connell Funeral Home, 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem, Pa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 4101 Old Bethlehem Pike, Bethlehem, PA at 11:00am, Saturday, February 20, 2016. Condolences may be offered online at www.connellfuneral.com Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mercy School for Special Learning, 830 S. Woodward Street, Allentown, PA 18103; www.mercyschool.org.