RONALD B. FREEMAN

FREEMAN
RONALD B.
Ronald B. Freeman of Pittsburgh died peacefully in his home from complications of leukemia in the early morning hours of December 27, 2017 with his children by his side. For 81 years, Ron led an adventure-filled life, marked by a distinguished career in law enforcement, academia, and the military. A beloved father, an accomplished artist, a natural comedian, and a local celebrity of sorts, Ron was a humble man with an incredible reach. Born on May 1, 1936 to Paul and Dorothy (Snyder) Freeman, Ron grew up in Clearfield County, PA, enjoying rural life as part of a hard-working family that included Ron's older sister Judy and younger brother Jerry. When a fellow coal miner was killed during an accident, Ron's father relocated the family to Baltimore, MD in search of safer employment. Ron's parents eventually settled in Pittsburgh, where he joined them after serving with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Easy going by nature, Ron was gifted in making genuine connections with people from all walks of life. This included everyone from U.S. Presidents and famous actors to the pharmacy workers in his local grocery store who visited him during his most recent stay in the hospital. Ron provided true compassion and comfort to crime victims and their families, an ability that is likely rooted in the personal loss of his brother who was tragically killed in a car accident at the age of 25. Ron had a deep well of compassion for others, often seeing the humanity in enemy soldiers and even the most hardened of criminals when others might not. Ron excelled at the art of interrogation, finding that making human connections with suspects was more humane and productive than other techniques. Ron balanced the demanding field of police work by pursuing artistic endeavors. Though he won awards for both sculpting and painting, Ron's true passion was woodworking. Most of all, he enjoyed using the lathe to make his signature pieces, which included candle holders and vases. Ever the country boy, Ron loved animals, especially the wild groundhogs, deer, foxes, and birds that he fed regularly in his backyard. Ron was especially captivated by the dolphins that swim in the Calibogue Sound off Hilton Head Island, an annual vacation spot for the past forty years. Despite numerous professional pursuits and achievements, Ron is best remembered for his never-ending sense of humor and well-received practical jokes. Ron could easily capture an audience on the sidewalk, at dinner, in a classroom, or on a crime scene; telling stories as if he and his audience were reliving them together in real time. Ron is survived by his partner of 11 years Evie Levine of Pittsburgh; daughter Anne Shonnard, son-in-law Doug; and grandchildren C.J. and Jonnie of Northern, VA; daughter Kara Miller, son-in- law Bill, grandchildren Nina and Michael Zinobile, and their father Tom Zinobile of Pittsburgh; daughter Amy Freeman, daughter-in- law Brianna Enriquez, and grandchildren Benjamin and Kate Freeman of Seattle, WA; son Ron Paul Freeman, daughter-in- law Amy, and grandchildren Nicholas and Dessa of Pittsburgh; mother of his children Rosemary Freeman of Seattle, WA; sister Judy Jowanowitch of Mahaffey, PA; nephew Steve Kensinger of Wilkins Township, PA; and grandniece/godchild Ena Marion of Bellevue, PA. Ron is also survived by Dennis Logan of Pittsburgh, Richard McDonald of Cecil Township, and Brian Kohlhepp of Ross Township, who Ron and his family refer to collectively as Ron's other sons. Friends will be received from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC. 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street (freyvogelfuneralhome.com). Funeral Tuesday in Heinz Memorial Chapel at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. A private burial will take place in Mahaffey, PA. Ron's family and friends are working with Duquesne University to set up an endowed scholarship in Ron's name. In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible donations may be made to the Ronald Freeman Forensic Scholarship, and sent to the attention of Jim Miller, University Advancement; Duquesne University; 600 Forbes Avenue; Pittsburgh, PA 15282.