David John Freda

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Carnegie Mellon University

David Freda Obituary

FREDA- David John Freda, of Redlands, Calif., died unexpectedly on May 20, 2011, after a brief illness. He was 47.David grew up in Indiana, Pa. and was a 1981 graduate of Indiana Area Senior High School, making his mark on the soccer field, in choruses and in the school band. In 1986, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh; he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. His college education included a year at University of Bologna, Italy, which started his lifelong love of all things Italian. He became fluent in the language and spent time living and working in Italy in later years. David had the rare skill of being able to combine mathematical analysis with creative thinking. He was member of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory team involved in image processing for the 1997 Mars Pathfinder mission. In Spring 2011, he earned a Master of Science degree in Geographic Information Sciences at University of Redlands after successfully defending his thesis, laying out innovative approaches to carbon recycling and gasification processes. At the time of his death, he was looking forward to applying his ideas with Gussing Renewable Energy America to address environmental issues, one of his passions. David loved to bike, and he loved to bake. At any gathering, family or friends were sure to be treated to one of David's loaves, from recipes he was always working to perfect. He was a fan of Mark Twain's works and ended many of his communications with humorous Twain quotes, often noting human foibles. David is survived by his wife, Eva Freda and their daughter, Tea; daughter Mikhaila Quezada-Freda; step-daughter Isabella Lebek; first wife Jeanina Quezada; mother Joan Freda; brother Richard M. Freda and sisters Barbara Freda and Patricia Advaney; many loving aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews,. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard N. Freda of Indiana, Pa., in 1986. A memorial service will be held at Emmerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapel, Redlands, Calif. on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 12:30 PM. Friends can make contributions to Mikhaila's and Tea's college funds c/o Joan Freda, or to the "David J. Freda MS GIS Memorial Scholarship Fund" to be established at the University of Redlands.

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Published by Pasadena Star-News on May 26, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for David Freda

9 Entries

Barbara Regis

November 6, 2022

Dave was such a wonderful friend and as we lost touch after high school. I can say that I hold a lot of fantastic memories as we were in the HS Band together. I am saddened of your loss. Barbara Galutia Regis.

Carrie-Anne Parker

May 31, 2011

Freda family, we send our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved David. The beautiful spirit, energy and vision that David embodied will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Sam Fischer

May 28, 2011

To the Freda Family,

I am very saddened to hear of David’s passing and have had many thoughts and memories over the last few days since hearing the shocking news of his loss. Dave and I met as pledge brothers of the Kappa Sigma fraternity in our freshman year at Carnegie Mellon, his easy smile and quiet, humble nature quickly endearing him to the brotherhood, of which, as you know, Rick is also a member. I recall one September, returning to the fraternity after Summer break to see Dave, who had lost something like 60 or 70 pounds over the summer and looked fantastic. I remember being happy for him and proud of the resolve and determination he exhibited in this achievement.
We were roommates at the fraternity in a senior year that was my most successful time at college in many ways. Dave maintained that he refused to roll out of bed and put on a baseball cap to go to class, insisting that he would skip class altogether unless he had time for a shower and to dress appropriately. I remember debating with him over this philosophy, though I never actually remember him missing any classes, and being impressed not only with his self standards but the steadfastness of his position. We drove 650 miles together back to my home in Boston that year for Spring Break and I remember our seeing the movie “The Breakfast Club” with my brother and sister and never laughing so hard. I still have the SONY turntable Dave sold me, residing in my basement and never failing to return great memories whenever our paths should cross.
On March 25 of this year I was on the social networking site Linkedin when Dave’s profile flashed across the screen. Though we have been out of touch since college, I sent him an invitation to connect, which was accepted without hesitation. A final interaction that made me feel good. Just as Dave has always been, true to the ideals of the fraternity. A brother for life.

David J. Freda

Rick Freda

May 26, 2011

Susan Packin

May 26, 2011

Freda family- I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I met David while my husband attended The University of Redlands a couple years ago. We are from Maryland & we became close with him & his family since we also have two small children. He was very sweet & welcoming. I will always remember how he & Eva opened their home for a Thanksgiving feast to many of us who were far away from our families back on the east coast. We were lucky to have met him & he will be missed dearly.

Beth Larivee

May 26, 2011

Eva, Joan and Family: What a shock you must be experiencing. I am praying for comfort for you as you grieve. I will be there Saturday and am ready to help in any way.

Jody Neermann

May 26, 2011

To the Freda family. I am sorry for your loss. I met David at ESRI. He was full of life and new ideas. I wish you all strength and courage as you proceed through this sudden and sad time.

Hamid Yunus

May 26, 2011

To Dave's family: Please accept my condolences on Dave's sudden demise. I worked with him not too long ago and found him to be genuinely good natured and sincere. I met him a few months ago and he was looking forward to his upcoming graduation and excited about new work opportunities. This is really sad. May God give you courage to cope with this loss, Amen. Hamid

May 26, 2011

Mrs. Freda, Rick, Barb and Pat.

All of my love to David, and condolences to you all. David was the Best Man at our wedding in New Orleans, and we shared such a brotherly bond since we met in 7th grade. He was instrumental to me in [Oh] so many ways. We shared memories in Pasadena, and he spent time here in Oregon wine county with my wife and me. My grief in his passing can only be an example of my deep foundness for him. He will be missed by all who knew him. All of my best, Larry and Yvonne Good, Dallas, Oregon.

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