Robert A. Freel

Leominster—Robert A. Freel, known to many as Pursey, to family as Buddy, to others as Bob, and to his children and grandchildren as both Dad and Papa, passed away peacefully at the age of 78. He passed on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at home, under the care of his loving wife and family after a long battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Robert “Pursey” is survived by his soulmate of 46 years, Beth E. (Pond) Freel; their children, Francis P. Freel and Colleen Buckley; Felicia G. Freel and her children Max and Wes; siblings Frances Freel, Paul Freel and wife Penny; nephew Ryan Freel, his wife Caterina, and their children Matthew, Joseph and Gabriella; mother-in-law Marjorie Pond; brother-in-law Kevin Pond and his wife Claire. He also leaves behind many family members and friends.

Robert “Buddy” was born on April 24, 1946 to Mildred V. (Kenney) Freel and Robert E. Freel in Marlborough. Robert grew up in Clinton, where he attended St. John’s School and Clinton High School, graduating in 1963. By all accounts he was a terror to the nuns and teachers.

After high school, Pursey went on to study at the New England School of Accounting at New Hampshire College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1969. Following his graduation, Robert was drafted into the United States Army. He served for two years and was honorably discharged in December of 1971. 

In 1978 Pursey met his future wife, Beth, at La Casa Mia in Clinton, where he quite literally fell head over heels, but that’s another story. The two were married on August 28, 1982. Robert and Beth lived happily in Clinton, and then Leominster, where they raised their children. 

Robert’s family was his top priority. He loved taking Beth out to dinner, always offering her the cherries from his Manhattan. He championed her pursuit of a Masters in Nursing (NP) and supported his children’s education. Dad volunteered during youth sports and encouraged their interests whole-heartedly. He drove Felicia to every singing lesson and was the first to hug her after a soccer game. He never missed Francis's swim meets or theater performances. His grandchildren, Max and Wes, were the light of his life. Papa, as they affectionately call him, was always happy to read, sing, or play with them. Papa relished their help with puzzles, and never missed the chance to play trucks and games with them. 

Robert’s accounting career began at Eddy’s of Park Ave, Worcester, then at Fairway Construction of Fitchburg, where he worked for almost 20 years. His career led him to several other companies, but it was at Crest Technologies of Clinton, Sterling, and finally Boylston where Robert retired in 2016. 

Among his many pastimes, Robert enjoyed rock n’ roll music. While he loved Elvis, Chuck Berry, The Boss, and many others, his favorite band was undoubtedly The Rolling Stones. He saw them first in Philadelphia, in June of 1978, and hadn’t missed a concert of theirs since. Not even Pursey thought Keith Richards would outlive him. 

Robert considered himself a classic film buff. He enjoyed the works of Alfred Hitchcock and Humphrey Bogart. His favorite movie was Casa Blanca. He was also an avid reader and a staunch supporter of the public library. He enjoyed detective novels the most, especially the Sherlock Holmes series, Nero Wolfe, and the mysteries of Agatha Christie. 

Pursey also enjoyed puzzles, and trivia, but on par with The Stones, were his beloved Boston Red Sox. A fan from boyhood, thanks to his mother’s influence, Robert admired Ted Williams most of all, and watched the boys of summer religiously. Each and every April, he’d famously say “this is the year,” and if there was a game on, you could find Pursey in his recliner (throne), cheering the Sox on. A life-long dream of his came true in October of 2004, when the Red Sox finally won the World Series, the championship he’d been waiting for since childhood. 

Robert enjoyed vacationing with his family on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and anywhere a cruise ship would take him. He and Beth went on over a dozen cruises together to places near and far, sometimes they even invited the kids. His favorite trip was to the Panama Canal. 

As our beloved husband, father, and papa embarks on his last trip, the family would like to thank Beacon Hospice, Dr. Khazen and his staff, and all the friends and family who offered care and support. 

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., Clinton 01510.

A ceremony celebrating Robert’s life will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to The Friends of the Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster, MA 01453.