Arthur Roland "Pete" Freeman

Groton - Arthur R. 'Pete' Freeman, 82, of Groton, beloved husband of Elsie A. (Tucker) Freeman died Saturday night at the Greentree Manor in Waterford.

He was born in Mystic on Sept. 5, 1927, the son of the late Vivian Freeman.

Pete was always fond of cars and how they worked. He worked in Whipples Garage from the time he was a kid. He also worked repairing cars in his own garage for many years. He served time in the U.S. Army during the end of World War II.

He worked for the State of Connecticut at the Norwich State Hospital facility in charge of transportation for 33 years, retiring in 1978. Upon his retirement from the State, he went to work at Electric Boat for 14 years as an inside machinist.

Pete had a love of driving from an early age. He was happy as long as he was driving somewhere. In his early years, he traveled the country by car and later took many trips with his wife, Elsie, in their motorhome. When he was young he was nicknamed 'Breeze' because that was all that you felt when he went driving by.

He was an avid music fan, particularly of instrumental guitar music. He played guitar for many years as a professional musician and at home with friends and family for personal pleasure. He was also an avid reader of non-fiction. In his retirement years, he developed an interest in woodworking.

Mr. Freeman is survived by his wife, Elsie A. Freeman of Groton whom he married on Aug. 29, 1953. He is also survived by his son, Peter Arthur Freeman, his daughter-in-law, Mary-Ellen Freeman and his cherished grandson, Tucker Granville Freeman all of Preston.

Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton. His burial will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday at the Starr Hill Cemetery, Lestertown Rd., Groton.