Joseph J. Freedman, 82, died Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008.
He was born in Lawrence, Mass. and a long time resident of Akron. He retired as Executive Vice-President of Sterling Jeweler, Inc. and was the past chairman of the Akron Chapter of Service Corps of Retired Executives (S.C.O.R.E.).
Mr. Freedman was the beloved husband of Mary Ann; devoted father of Steven (Jan), Charles (Samia), Meredith (Jason) Kroot, and Jodi; dearest grandfather of ten and great-grandfather of six and was preceded in death by daughter, Linda Meryl Freedman. Also survived by cousins, Maynard (Ann) Freedman and Rhoda Myers and many close friends.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Temple Israel, 133 Merriman Road, Akron, Ohio with Rabbi David Lipper officiating. Interment to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of other remembrances the family suggests donations to Akron S.C.O.R.E., 1 Cascade Plaza, Akron, Ohio 44308.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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marjorie pickel
January 29, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Vanessa Foltz
October 29, 2008
Dear Mrs. Freedman, Meredith, and Family...I joined Sterling in 1980. I will always remember Joe's first speech to us..."I may look like a big grizzly bear, but deep down, I am just a big teddy bear." Everyone fell instantly in love with him. He made us feel like "family". I have so many fond memories of the "old building" on Frederick Boulevard. We were "family". His kindness and wisdom were immeasurable to all he met. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Vanessa (Conley) Foltz
Akron, Ohio
Timothy Joseph Stewart
October 20, 2008
I do not remember ever meeting Joe as I was just born in Augusta when he and his family were friends with my parents. However, I was named after him. Reading about his life it appears that he was quite the gentleman and leader. I wish I had the opportunity to meet him. My best wishes to his family.
Jack Riegel
October 14, 2008
Dear Mary Ann and Meredith,
I was sorry to hear the news of your loss. I know that Joe’s presence will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with the both of you.
Jack Riegel
Laraine Duncan
October 11, 2008
Dear Mrs. Freedman, When Mayor
Plusquellic first began funding after school programs, Butch Reynolds was one of our critical providers. Your husband worked closely with Butch and helped him write a business plan and a budget. He was always very kind, patient and courteous as we were helping Butch launch his program in the Akron Public Schools. Mr. Freedman took the time to meet with the Mayor to update him on Butch's progress. I'll always appreciate what he did to help the City's after school efforts. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Laraine Duncan
Jennifer Thompson
October 11, 2008
Dear Freedman Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Joe. I have such fond memories of him. He was an incredibly kind and generous man, and I know he will be missed terribly.
I was always grateful that he helped me get my first job, financed visits to see Meredith, and put up with the shenanigans of a bunch of silly teenaged girls!
Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Jennifer Lindquist Thompson
Lynn Hendershot
October 8, 2008
Mary Ann,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Joe was a great inspiration to alot of people. I will remember him as always having a smile on his face! You couldn't help but love him!
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
STEVE HOLDEN
October 8, 2008
MARY ANN, WE ARE VERY SADDENED WITH THE PASSING OF JOE.HE WAS A GREAT MENTOR, AND WONDERFUL PERSON. HE WILL BE MISSED. STEVE DIANA HOLDEN
Elliott Kool
October 8, 2008
People like Joe are few and far between. He will be missed by all that knew him. Rest well my friend. Our loss is G-D's gain.
Sheila Catanese
October 7, 2008
Dear Maryann and Family,
We are so sad to hear of Joe's passing. He was a very kind man to us and especially to our father Charlie Hibbs who ALWAYS talked highly about Joe and his family. It was so comforting to see you two at our Dad's funeral three years ago. We will keep everyone of the family in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you Maryann! Rest in peace Joe!
Rhonda Payne and Sheila Catanese
Robert Metz
October 7, 2008
Dear Mary Ann,
We were very saddened to hear of Joe's passing. He was not only a great man, he was a good man who touched the lives of everyone he met. Our thoughts are with you.
Robert & Marsha
Scott Kroeger
October 7, 2008
Mary Ann and Meredith:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. During the course of a person's life, one has the opportunity to meet a lot of good people, but very few great people. Joe is one of the greats.
Regards,
The Kroeger Family
Cheryl Fritz
October 7, 2008
Dear Mary Ann,
I worked for Joe (and Margie) many years ago at Sterling. I was only 19 when I started and I give them both so much credit for the person that I am today. Joe was a wonderful person to work for, and I have thought of him many times over the years. I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Erica Friedman
October 7, 2008
Mary Ann,
I am so sorry to hear about Joe's passing. I loved him very much and can't think of anyone who made more of an impact on my young professional life like he did.
Reis Trubow
October 7, 2008
dear Mary Ann,
my thoughts are with you..you know how I felt about Joe. Itruly loved the man.
Anne Connell-Freund
October 7, 2008
Mary Ann
I was so saddened to hear about Joe. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Anne Connell-Freund
Charles Brown
October 7, 2008
Mary Ann you have my deepest condolences and my thoughts are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John Donovan
October 7, 2008
Dear Mary Ann and Meredith:
It is with sorrow that I learned of Joe's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Please also know that I will remember him as you and many others will - a kind, caring, and thoughtful man. He had a positive influence on my life and I will always appreciate his kindness. I consider myself fortunate to have known him. My family and I are thinking of you and wishing you the best at this difficult time.
With Heartfelt Sympathies,
John Donovan
Lana Mihaly
October 6, 2008
Dear Mary Ann,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Joe's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Denise Williams
October 6, 2008
Mary Ann,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Beth Cardina
October 6, 2008
Dear Mary Ann and Family~
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Joe was such a great guy and he will be missed. Please know our thoughts are with you and your family. In peace~
Bill and Beth Cardina
GinaKaye Maddox
October 6, 2008
Dear MaryAnn,
Though I only met Joe a few times at our CSB events, he was always pleasant and delightful to talk with.
My prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Sincerely,
GinaKaye Maddox
Dean and Tricia Myton
October 6, 2008
Mary Ann, Meredith and all of the Freedman family - Joe was a wonderful man that we will miss greatly. May God wrap his loving arms around you during this difficult time.
Greg Winokur
October 6, 2008
Dear Mary Ann and family,
We are so sorry to hear of "Papa" Joe's passing. He was such a dear friend that made a positive impact on all he touched. We will miss him and cherish the memories.
Our deepest sympathy,
Greg & Mary Winokur
Susan Tucker
October 6, 2008
Mary Ann, please accept my condolences. You were so devoted to each other. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kara Bhakuni
October 6, 2008
I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Stone
October 6, 2008
we are sorry for your lose. our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Leslie Smith
October 6, 2008
My heartfelt condolences go out to Joe’s family. He was a great man. He will be missed in the industry that he loved and by all who knew him. I will always remember him as our gentle "teddy bear ".
Carol Blose
October 6, 2008
Mary Ann, Meredith and the Freedman family: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of my friend Joe. I remember his fantastic personality. He was always a gentleman and a friend to everyone.May God Bless and keep you. Keep his memory with you.
Carol Blose (Layne)
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