Novato, California
1929 - 2012
Charles J. Freeman 82, of Novato, passed away peacefully at home, on May 6, 2012 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Rita; children Jeannine, David (Kathi), John (Lissa) and Daniel (Deanna) and 6 grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father and "papa." Charlie was born in San Francisco, and attended St Anne's in the Sunset and Sacred Heart before attending Mount LaSalle in Napa, when he joined the Christian Brothers. He graduated from St. Mary's College (1953) and earned a Master's in Library Science from USC (1960). He was the librarian at San Rafael High School for many years until his retirement in 1990. He was a master gardener, tending his large garden, and was an expert genealogist. He was a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus and a volunteer with the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He also served dinners at New Beginnings. His life was dedicated to serving others. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held May 19 at 11:30am at Our Lady of Loretto Church, 1806 Novato Blvd., Novato, CA 94947. Donations may be made in his name to the St. Vincent DePaul Society at Our Lady of Loretto Church at the above address. Arrangements by Adobe Creek Funeral Home, 331 Lakeville Street, Petaluma, CA. CHEDA & LYONS - Directors 415-883-8070
I was a library volunteer at SRHS in the 70's shelving books under "Mr. Freemans" direction. He was a thoughtful and steadfast person whom I admired greatly. Now I come to find we shared a love of gardening and genealogy. See you on the other side Cahrlie and thanks for being an example.
Roland Smith
June 08, 2012 | Oakland, CA
Dear RIta and family:
In the short time we have gotten to know Charlie, we have come to know what a loving and sincere person he was. We will surely miss him. All our prayers and thoughts to you. Sincerely, the Camilleri family.
May 19, 2012
I was one of many thorns in Mr Freeman's side during his tenure at San Rafael's library.........he was an exceptionally patient and tolerant man, who put up with a lot of bad behavior from many of us......he taught us some lessons every bit as valuable as the teachers!
Bob Igram
May 18, 2012 | Petaluma, CA
Our prayers and condolences go to the family of Charlie Freeman. We went to high school and college with Charlie as Christian Brothers; and I taught with him at Cathedral High in Los Angeles for three years. It's hard to picture Charlie without a great big smile on his face, and a hardy laugh. John Savage and Pat O'Brien
Pat O'Brien
May 16, 2012 | Sacramento, CA
My deepest sympathy to the Freeman family. Many years ago Charles opened my family tree for me with his entries and response to questions regarding the Castonguay/Robinson families of which I am a member. He will be remembered. Georgina Shumway, Homeland, CA
May 15, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Freeman family. Many years ago Charles opened my family tree for me with his entries and response to questions regarding the Castonguay/Robinson Canadian families of which I am a member. He will be remembered. Georgina Shumway, Homeland, CA
Georgina Shumway
May 15, 2012 | Homeland, CA
Rita, Jeannine & family - I'll always have the fondest of memories of Charlie. It was always so wonderful to see him and you, Rita, at the Rainville gatherings. I was always greeted so warmly even after all these years. Love to you...
Tammy Larsen
May 14, 2012 | Petaluma, CA
Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this time.
Adobe Creek Funeral Home
May 14, 2012 | Petaluma, CA
to all the freeman family,
hank and i send our deepest condolences on the loss of your dear husband, father and all his family.
our thoughts are with you.
colleen hautau
May 12, 2012
