Local businessman and well-known entertainer, Antonio F. (Tony) Freda passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 9, 2023 following a yearlong battle with cancer.Mr. Freda was born in Montenero Val Cocchiara, Isernia, Italy on February 25, 1949, the son of the late Rinaldo S. and Iole (nee Orlando) Freda. He immigrated to the US when he was 8 years old. He graduated from Lorain High School, a member of the class of 1968. He was a member of Church of St. Peter Catholic Church in Lorain.He was the founder and owner of Freda Electric, Inc. in Lorain for 36 years. Previously he worked for US Steel and as a young man, he worked for the former Manhattan Market. He was also proud to be a member of the Boy Scouts of America and earned many badges for his work.Mr. Freda was a long-time devoted member of the Lorain Lions Club serving on several committees. He received the Melvin Jones Award, the highest award given to a Lion for his service.He was inducted into the Knights of Columbus in 2013 as a First Degree Knight. Shortly after his induction, he became the Deputy Grand Knight for Council 637. He also served as an active Trustee for the Council as well. As a Fourth Degree Knight of the McManis Assembly 811, Mr. Freda served as Past Faithful Navigator, and most currently as a Trustee. He was very active in the Knights and participated in many of the various projects and activities.His hobbies included singing Karaoke, snowmobiling, motorcycling, fishing and winemaking.A talented entertainer, Mr. Freda made multiple appearances in a show he entitled a "Tribute to Elvis." His talent was an accolade to "The King" and many of his friends and followers often called him "The King".Tony is survived by his wife of 35 years, Linda "Lin" (nee Arnold) Freda, son Tony M. Freda (Jill Lackey) of Tremont, grandchildren Joseph R. Freda, Sophia M. Freda, sisters Carmela (Vincenzo) Caserta of Erie, PA, Maria L. Zidow, of Parker, Colorado, brothers Enrico (Rick) Freda, of Alpharetta, GA, Giulio G. (Janis) Freda, of Parker, Colorado, and many nieces and nephews that he adored.Friends may call on Saturday, September 16, 2023 in the Church of St. Peter Catholic Church, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain from 11:00 am until a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 1:00 pm with Father Gerald J. Keller, officiating. The Lorain Lions Club Memorial Service will be at noon and the Knights of Columbus will have a Memorial Service at 12:30 pm.The family suggest memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel To Towers (T2T.org) supporting families of wounded or deceased Veterans and the police and firefighters who perished in the attacks on 9/11, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Peter Church, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, OH 44052.Burial will be private.The Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home for Funerals assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences at www.boyercool.com

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Published by The Morning Journal from Sep. 13 to Sep. 14, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Antonio Freda

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6 Entries

David Roark

December 17, 2023

prayers to the family, sorry for your loss, I rented a home from Tony on Lovevit place, he was really a good guy, he hired me to put tool boxes on his van when he was starting in the electric business, R.I.P. Tony

Allan Sadowski

November 25, 2023

Dear Freda Family. I was recently informed about the passing of Tony. I grew up with Tony ,Went to school with Tony and was his neighbor. I was saddened to hear of his passing. Many memories of our times together growing up. God bless Tony and the Family.

Gary Fischer

September 23, 2023

Lynn-
So sorry to hear of Tony´s Passing. We are sending thoughts and prayers to you at this difficult time.
Gary and Andrea Fischer

Charlie

September 17, 2023

Tony had life by the tail. He enjoyed himself and we enjoyed being in his presence.

Joseph

September 17, 2023

Oh the fun Tony, Giulio and I had growing up together during the 1960s and 70s. For years we, our families too, were inseparable sharing dishes of pasta and numerous memories about life back in Italy. The three of us spent tons of time marauding through the neighborhood between 21st and 18th Streets in Lorain logging memories too numerous to mention. While we mostly had fun there were dozens of times some of our behaviors could have been considered questionable but we experienced them anyway and Tony's passing has brought so many special times back into my mind. Tony's death was a surprise that has saddened me. While he and I and the Freda family have lost touch I often think of those days long ago when we were young and full of life and considered each other "paisonos." Tony will be missed I am sure, having lived what sounds like a very full life. I will miss him too but am fortunately left with so many special thoughts of our lives from way back when.Bless you Tony and thanks for being my friend. Joe.

Dennis & Pam Friess

September 14, 2023

Condolences to the Freda family. I knew Tony well, and he will be missed by all. I still have a bottle of Tony's wine from 25+ years ago. I think I'll hang on to it. RIP Tony.

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