Dr. Bruce Freed

LEWISBURG — Dr. Bruce James Starr Freed, 77, of Lewisburg, loving husband and father, went to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2006.

Born July 23, 1929, Bruce was the youngest of six children of Dorothy and Walter C. Freed. In his youth, Bruce enjoyed swimming and picnicking at Slabtown. After graduation from Williamsport High School in 1947, Bruce enrolled at West Chester State Teachers College, where he majored in mathematics, physics and English and graduated in 1951. That same year, he joined the Air Force, serving as a first lieutenant pilot in the Korean War for the 1739th Ferrying Squadron, based in Amarillo, Texas.

After his military service, Bruce returned to his passion of helping others through teaching. He earned a master's in mathematics from Bucknell University in 1957 and his doctorate in mathematics education from Pennsylvania State University in 1972.

Bruce married his lifelong sweetheart, Naomi Geiser, in 1953. They instilled the values of family and faith in their four children: Ken, Linda, Karen and Steve. The family lived for 45 years on Spruce Street in Lewisburg. Together, they enjoyed camping, nature and God's beauty. The family now includes four wonderful spouses and eight loving grandchildren. In May 2005, Bruce and Naomi moved to the Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, 62 Tressler Blvd., Lewisburg.

His teaching gifts were displayed across education and the community. Bruce's career spanned 33 years at Bucknell University, first as a mathematics professor, then as the university's registrar. He retired in 1993.

He was chairman of the Union County United Way and a leader in many ways at Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lewisburg, and at Frieden's Lutheran Church, Liberty. He was a member of Charity Lodge 144, Free & Accepted Masons, Lewisburg, and the Williamsport Consistory.

His passions included traveling and nature, trailering to Tucson for winters, bird watching, geography and history. His joy and talents in woodworking around the house were evident at his home in Ogdensburg as well as each of his children's homes. He especially enjoyed sharing tractor rides and walks in the woods with his grandchildren.

Always the consummate teacher, the lessons his family will carry with them are to do your best, leave the world a better place and pass it on. We wish this to be his legacy for all.

He is survived by his loving family, Naomi, his four children, their spouses and eight grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift in the name of Bruce J.S. Freed to Bucknell University, Attn: Gift Records Office.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 S. Third St., Lewisburg. There will be no calling hour. There will be a time of sharing after the service.

The family will hold a private interment in Wildwood Cemetery, Williamsport.

The Gary H. Cronrath Funeral Home Inc., South Second and St. Louis streets, Lewisburg, is assisting the family with arrangements.