Hugh R. Freeman

Hugh R. Freeman
formerly of Vestal
Hugh R. Freeman, 85, formerly of Vestal and most recently of Queensbury, passed away Monday evening, Oct. 22, 2007, at his home at Woodvale Avenue, Queensbury from a brief illness. Born August 14, 1922 in Corning, N.Y., he was the son of the late Alfred and Lorena (Watkins) Freeman. Following graduation from Union-Endicott High School, Hugh enlisted in the U.S. Navy Oct. 14, 1942 being honorably discharged Oct. 20, 1945 earning rank as a motor machinist's mate second class. Hugh was proud to be a veteran and a "navy man". He remained involved by being an active member of V.F.W. Post No. 1449 of Endicott, and a life member and past commander of American Legion Post No. 1700 of West Endicott. He was a member of the honor guard for the American Legion. He married Martha (Smith) April 12, 1944 and was a wonderful and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Hugh worked for GE in Johnson City as a quality control inspection planner, retiring after 32 years of dedicated service. Hugh and his wife moved to Queensbury April of '07. Some of his greatest enjoyments included fishing, woodworking, reading, and above all spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his stories about being in the navy, his courage in the face of his illness, and singing songs to his wife who he openly showed his affection towards, always holding her hand. Besides his parents, a stepmother, Glenna Freeman, who he was very close to, and three infant children, Carol, Judith, and Keith Freeman, and one brother, Kenneth Freeman, have all predeceased Hugh. Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Martha Freeman, Queensbury; two daughters, Cynthia Shelp and her husband, Paul, Davenport, Fla. and Marcia McCormack and her husband, John, Lake George; one grandson, Stephen Shelp, Davenport, Fla.; three stepgrandsons, Jason McCormack, Albany, Calif., Justin McCormack, Queensbury and Jonathan McCormack, Glens Falls; one brother, Bruce Freeman; also many nieces, nephews, cousins, many dear friends, and his grand-dog, "Maggie".
There will be no calling hours. Hugh has made an anatomical gift to Albany Medical College. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 3 at 2 p.m. at The Landing, 27 Woodvale Avenue, Queensbury, with the Rev. Richard Weihing, pastor of the Queensbury United Methodist Church, officiating. The American Legion Post No. 1797 will perform a brief ceremony during the Memorial Service. Services in Endicott will be at the convenience of the family. Burial will be at Riverhurst Cemetery in Union-Endicott at the convenience of the family. Donations, in loving memory of Hugh, may be made to High Peaks Hospice, 286 Glen St., Glens Falls, N.Y. 12801, or American Legion Post # 1700, 302 Maple St., West Endicott, N.Y. 13760. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at High Peaks Hospice and the girls at Interim Health Services who took care of Hugh and became like family. Condolences may be e-mailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com or mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette Street, Queensbury, N.Y. 12804.