John J Freda

John J, Freda, of Wall Township, NJ, passed away in Jersey Shore Medical Center on November 30, 2025 with his family by his side.
Born on March 2, 1960, John was the fourth child of the late Theresa (Russo) and Fred Freda of Neptune City, NJ. John grew up in Neptune City and graduated from Neptune High School, Class of 1978. He kept in contact with several of his classmates throughout his life.
John became the third generation owner of Freda Builders, following his grandfather Alfonso Freda and his father Fred Freda. He was so proud of that.
John was predeceased by his parents Theresa and Fred and his older brother Al. Surviving John is his spouse Patricia of 35 years; his daughter Lauren (Freda) Roth, her spouse William of Manalapan, NJ; his son Anthony of Middletown, NJ and son Louis of Wall Township, NJ.
Surviving also are his sister Elizabeth (Freda) Wilson, her spouse Glenn of Belvidere, NJ; brother Fred Freda, his spouse Barbara of Bordentown, NJ and sister in-law Penny Freda of Toms River, NJ. His loving dog Willie is still waiting for him at home while his three other dogs, Bruce, Seager and Lucy, are greeting him in Heaven. John is also survived by five nephews, three nieces and many great nephews and nieces. Three aunts and two uncles are also surviving along with many, many cousins on the Freda and Russo side of his family.
John's family always came first. He organized many summer and holiday get-togethers. He spent many hours at Cousin Tommy's house and Cousin Annie's house, enjoying their company. Every family member looked forward to the summer pool picnics at his mom and dad's house on Bennett Avenue. Many times attracting over 80 people.
.
John was a lifelong Yankee fan, taking many trips to Yankee Stadium on the "Freda Party Bus". The Freda Open Golf Tournament still continues to be an annual summer tradition. Growing up, most summer Sundays began with 9:00 Mass and Sunday School at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Then the car was packed for Ocean County Park where all the Freda and Russo families met for baseball, bocci, swimming and eating Italian food. Swimming at Avon Beach with cousins and friends was a great summer pastime. The fall season began with making tomato sauce, aka gravy, with Uncle Frank and Aunt Ce Sestito, Cousins Mary Rose and Jimmy in Long Branch. Then the burying of their fig tree. John, along with brothers Al and Freddie and Cousin Jimmy had more fun than work. Then came the wine making in Uncle Frank's cellar. This tradition continues to this day at the Marzarella Farm with Cousin Ray chairing the process. Finally, the winter holidays were mostly spent with the Sestito Family. Dinners were like banquets that continued the next day. Once again, family was everything.
John was sponsor and captain of the Freda Builders Bowling Team for several years, carrying on the tradition that began with his grandfather Alfonso Freda, then his father Fred Freda so many years ago. The team consisted of John, his dad Fred, brother Al, nephew Al and brother Freddie substituting when needed. John loved music and enjoyed many concerts with Cousin Tommy and best friend Kendall Kelly. He followed the Beatles and Bruce Springsteen, among others including Frank Sinatra.
Although John was an avid Rams fan, he attended all home football games at Giant Stadium for many years with his dad, brothers and many cousins. This is another tradition that continues on to this day. When John bought an RV, he and his family visited many campgrounds, always joined by his brothers Al and Freddie and their families in their RV's, having fun and drinking beer around the camp fire.
John was a happy and fun-loving guy. He would do anything for anyone and was generous to a fault. He loved his family and he will be missed by all. We will remember his smile and laughter and hold onto those memories of knowing him as a wonderful man that had such an impact on all of us.
Ely Funeral Home, 3316 Rt. 33, Neptune, NJ will be in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 4PM to 8PM and Friday for final goodbye 8:30 to 9:30AM.
Funeral will be held at Holy Innocents Church, Rt. 33, Neptune, NJ at 10AM. Interment will be at St. Anne Cemetery in Wall Township immediately following the funeral.