Raymond J. "Ray" Freda

Raymond (Ray) J. Freda, age 57, of Hopewell Junction, New York, passed away on August 19, 2025. Ray is survived by his beloved wife Joy "Suzi" Freda of LaGrangeville, NY; his adoring mother, Jacqueline Toporoff of Cary, NC; his treasured sisters, Debrah Davis of Bossier City, LA, Cheryl Freda of Raleigh, NC, and Christene Chiarolanzio and her husband Paul of Carey, NC; his aunts and uncles, Robert and Sissy Aquilino, Patricia Sakal, Michael Sakal, Sr., Lawrence and Barbara Aquilino, and Thomas Aquilino and Allison Montovelli; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Ray was predeceased by his father, Raymond Anthony Freda; his sister, Denise Freda; and his uncles, Richard Freda and Robert Freda.

Ray was a dedicated professional in the field of state and local taxation and his expertise was sought by clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies. Ray was an avid practitioner who loved the work he did and was a great collaborator and supporter of his colleagues for many years. Ray was the chair of the State and Local Tax Committee of the NYC Bar Association, a position to which he was appointed by his peers, and he was a member of the State and Local Tax Executive Committee of the American Bar Association. His contributions to the profession, and to the organizations of which he was a part, were immense.

Ray earned his undergraduate degree from Vassar College and his graduate degree from Union College. He also earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Albany Law School in 1996.

Ray began his career as a clerk for the Administrative Law Judge Unit of the New York State Tax Appeals Tribunal from 1994 through 1996, an experience that would shape his career for years to come.

Ray joined Arthur Andersen LLP in New York City in 1996 and joined Ernst & Young LLP in 1999, where he was promoted to partner. In 2009, Ray joined Andersen Tax LLC as a partner where he was instrumental in developing the state and local tax practice in New York City. Ray worked there until his passing, and he will be remembered for his generosity of spirit and mentorship. He was a great teacher, a trusted advisor, and a guide to so many junior professionals. He shaped careers, opened doors, and gave his time freely to help others succeed. That legacy of mentorship and leadership will continue to live on in the people he inspired.

Ray had varied interests, ranging from culinary classes to reading the bible from cover to cover, and enjoyed sharing his experiences with wit and warmth, part of the reason he was unique, endearing, and a caring friend. He was steady, thoughtful, and his presence enriched all he encountered, both professionally and personally.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM at McHoul Funeral Home, Inc. located at 895 Route NY-82, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at St. Denis Church, located at 602 Beekman Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 followed by burial at St. Denis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ray's memory to the Foundation Fighting Blindness or The Stargardt Foundation. Please visit his Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.