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Gerald Freedman Obituary
Beloved life partner of Elizabeth Sacks, husband of the late Ellen nee Gottlieb and the late Beverly nee Berke. Loving father of Wendy Freedman (Vince DiNunzio), Craig Freedman (Jessica Robbins), David (Cindy) Cohen, Daniel (Jodi) Smith-Cohen, Julie Cohen, Steve (Robin Newberger) Sacks, Ken (Susan Nieland) Sacks, Rian (Darrell) Thompson. Proud grandfather of Alex (Keyauna) Cohen, Ethan Cohen, Jake Borsuk, Joshua Smith-Cohen, Nora Smith-Cohen, Milo Borsuk, Ruby Schneider, Natalie Schneider, Teddy Cohen, Eli Smith-Cohen, Jackson Tsao-Wu Jia Freedman, Camille Bei Tsao-Wu Freedman, Andrew Sacks, Samantha Sacks, Frances Sacks, Dorothea Sacks, Cooper Thompson, Lucas Hitchell, Reed Hitchell, and Emmett Hitchell. Cherished great grandfather of Bjorn, Ivan, and Asa. Dear brother of Gail (Sam) Seelig and the late Allen (Devra) Freedman.
Jerry was a vibrant soul whose boundless energy fueled a life filled with adventure. Born at Edgewater Hospital in Chicago, he spent his years in the Chicagoland area. A proud IIT graduate, he dedicated 60 years to leading the family business, Freedman Seating.
No matter the time or place, Jerry showed up for every event, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to family and friends. His kindness and generosity touched everyone he encountered, and family meant everything to him. He deeply valued his friendships, always fostering connections and creating lasting memories. Jerry loved tennis, skiing in Beaver Creek, and exploring the globe, but his happiest moments were spent at his Nippersink lake house, surrounded by loved ones. As a mentor to many, he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Services were held Friday, October 11th at 2:00PM for friends and family at 100 E. Bellevue, Chicago, 33rd floor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, www.cancer.org or the Jane Addams Resource Corporation - JARC, 4432 N. Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640, www.jarctraining.org. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Andrew Shook
January 27, 2025
Jerry was awesome leader. Definitely have thought him over the years after I moved back to Michigan. Always looked up to him and missed! My condolences to his family.
Paul Schneider
October 21, 2024
Jerry was the father figure I wish I always had. After I had moved to Chicago and was eventually laid off at the Pioneer Press newspapers, the very next day he came to me, a glimmer in his eye, and said, "Good. You can come work for me now."
How does one turn that down.
I miss you with much love.
Michael Moffa
October 19, 2024
There are so many, running around London before the Bears game in 2011. We went to Audley House, Holland and Holland and the Apple store, saw Wellington's monument, then spent some time buying Elizabeth a small change purse at an exclusive luggage atelier. Miss him terribly.
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Aline Delpierre
October 18, 2024
Gerald was a very strong will and kind human soul that loves life. May he rest in peace.
Brenda Ferdman
October 17, 2024
Dear Craig and Wendy,
Our sympathies and condolences to you and your loved ones.
Phil and Brenda Ferdman
Glenn Ferdman
October 17, 2024
Craig, Wendy, Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your dad.
Glenn Ferdman
Philippe Sablé
October 16, 2024
My sincère condolences to Freedman and Cohen familles. Jerry was a great man by his attention to others,his generosity. A Hugo Thank-you Jerry and Ellen for the years spent in Evanston with you and his children.
Love.
Philippe Sablé
Jason Brinson
October 15, 2024
My sincere condolence's to the Freedman and Cohen family during this time f bereavement. Jerry was a wonderful person and always made me feel welcomed. No matter what he was doing he would always speak with me in passing and it felt really genuine when he did so. I appreciate the opportunity to work at FSC and will always remember Mr. Jerry Freedman. May God continue to bless this family.
Shelly Hernandez
October 14, 2024
Sending love and prayers to the Freedman and Cohan family. I am honored to have known and worked for Jerry Freedman. My deepest condolences to all at Freedman Seating Company.
Brian Savage
October 14, 2024
My deepest condolences to the Freedman and Cohen family. Jerry was a great man and mentor to me during my many years employed at Freedman Seating Co. He had a heart of gold and always made me feel welcomed while at work and outside of work. I always remember him walking out to the plant floor with a big smile and handshake. You will be missed Sir.
Sincerely: Brian V. Savage
Elizabeth Kretchmer
October 11, 2024
Dear Freedman and Cohen Family,
My heart goes out to all of you during this very difficult time. Jerry was a mensch to everyone who knew him and he will be dearly missed.
Sending love to all of you.
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