Paul Joseph Freedman

Paul Joseph Freedman died in his home on September 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, PA of an accidental overdose at 34 years of age. Paul was born on April 25, 1984 and was raised in Philadelphia, Langhorne, and Oreland, PA. He went to Springfield High School. He attended Penn State University and graduated with a BA in Communications, Arts and Sciences in 2007. Paul was an extraordinary people-person who thrived in service-oriented jobs, including but not limited to restaurant server at many restaurants, personal banker, and sales representative. His last position was as an overnight manager at the Ritz Diner on Roosevelt Blvd in Philadelphia. He was also recently appointed assistant manager at the recovery house where he lived, serving as a mentor and role model to others in recovery. He had courageously reached more than seven months of sobriety and he was an ardent member of recovery fellowships. In the last eight months of his life, Paul learned a great deal about addiction and recovery and thoroughly embraced the 12-Step program. He spoke frequently and passionately about these principles and his new lifestyle.

Paul was a spirited Phillies and Eagles fan, so much so that he had the Phillies "P" tattooed onto his leg. He loved fishing in Neshaminy State Park and Lake Nockamixon. He loved Indian food and going to Fairlane Grill in Erdenheim with his dad and cousin Dan. He was a water bug and loved swimming and boogie boarding in the ocean during summer vacations with family at the Jersey shore and spending time at Myrtle Beach with his niece Morgan. Paul was fearless and sought any and all roller coasters or opportunity for adventure. Paul was a total heartthrob and ladies' man with a smile and eyelashes that were the envy of even the most beautiful men and women. During college and after graduation, Paul loved going to Penn State football games. He was a music lover who regularly attended live concerts and the Philly Folk Fest. As a kid he spent almost every weekend with his cousins making or going to movies; he was the lead actor in his cousin Will's movies.

Paul was known for his incredible sweetness, wit, and charm. Many turned to him for advice, and Paul had such a positive attitude that his Wawa customers still talk about him. In Paul's short life, he touched the lives of many people who crossed his path and inspired us all. He will be sorely missed, but his light will remain closely held in the hearts of many.

Paul is survived by his father, James Freedman; mother, Brenda Needle (née McConnell); sisters Laura Curcio (Mark), Susan Eagan (Thomas), and Kathryn Donadio (Michael); and nieces and nephews Joshua, Amber, Maci, Lindsey, Jenna, Anthony, and Morgan.

Paul is also survived by his grandmother, Nancy Freedman; his aunt, Diane Freedman Drinker (Ned) and their children Daniel, William, and Emily; uncle, Douglas Wood (Donna); and uncle, Norman Wood (Sandi) and their sons Bryan and Mick.

Paul was predeceased by his sister, Sherry Latshaw; brother, Ben Alger; niece, Ashlee Snyder; uncle, Tom Freedman; aunt, Patricia Freedman; and grandfather, Art Freedman.

All who knew and loved Paul are welcomed to join his family in a Celebration of Life this Wednesday October 3rd at the Spring Mill Ballroom, which is located at 1210 E Hector St in Conshohocken and is easily accessible by public transportation. Visitation will start at 6pm followed by a memorial service at 8pm.

We appreciate everyone who has reached out to Paul's family to offer expressions of sympathy and their support in this difficult time. Should friends desire, donations may be made in Paul's memory to the Livengrin Foundation (www.livengrin.org/donation; 4833 Hulmeville Rd. Bensalem, PA 19020) to support those still seeking sustained recovery.