Robert J. Freedy

FREEDY Robert J. Freedy, MD, 86, of Upper Arlington, OH, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 2, 2011, with his loving family by his side at The Ohio State University Medical Center. Robert was born in Youngstown, OH on April 8, 1924 to the late John and Barbara Freedy. He grew up in Youngstown, Ohio and graduated high school there in 1942. After high school he entered the United States Navy and proudly served his country during WWII in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he entered University of Southern California and attended 3 years before transferring to Duke University. During this time he met Miss Lucy Rawlings in a chemistry class saving her from an embarrassing moment in a fractional distillation laboratory experiment. A year later, on their way to Duke, they were married in Las Vegas on September 6, 1952. They have celebrated over 58 years together before his passing. From 1952 until he entered medical school he worked as a research chemist supporting his wife as she finished her formal medical education. In 1956 he entered medical school at The Ohio State University and completed his MD degree in 1960. For over 5 years he and his wife were in private practice together in Reynoldsburg, OH. He then worked for a number of corporations in the area of occupational medicine and completed the last 22 years of his career as Medical Director at Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus. Bob was an avid golfer and OSU fan. A great Buckeye game or round of golf with his buddies followed by a cold beer was an easy way to put a smile on his face. He found solace in reading, listening to music, and traveling with his wife to California to visit friends. Aside from his career and hobbies, his family came first. Whether it was supporting his wife through med school or coaching all of his children in a variety of sports and being there for them during their education and careers, Bob was a man of honor, grace, and was a person that his family, friends, and colleagues, could rely on for quiet encouragement. His faith in God and mankind is a testimony to what he held most dear. Along with his wife, Lucy Freedy MD, he is survived by his children, Barbara (Douglas Lemley MD) Freedy Esq. of NC, Marvin (Sharon) Freedy MD of FL, John (Melba) Freedy MD,PhD, of SC, and David Freedy, Doctor of Musical Arts, of Hilliard, OH; grandchildren, Allyson, Cameron, Robert, Katherine, Madison, and Matthew. Bob's 87th birthday will be on April 8, 2011. The family would like friends to celebrate and reminisce with them at the SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd., Upper Arlington on Friday, April 8, 2011 from 5-9 p.m., where Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2011. A private entombment will follow at Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Ohio State University Ross Heart Hospital General Fund, c/o Medical Center Development, 660 Ackerman Road, Columbus, OH 43202, in his memory. Visit www.schoedinger.com to sign an online guest book or to share a story about Bob.