Dr. Aaron Freeman

Dr. Aaron Sonny' Freeman March 5, 1928 - August 3, 2017 San Marcos Aaron went back to his wife of 45 years, Fredda, on August 3, 2017. He was 89 years old. He is survived by his wife Lily, two children, Jeff and Joan, two grandchildren, Bill and Randi, and two great-grandchildren, Leyton and Ela.Aaron moved to San Diego 41 years ago from Ohio and was originally from Rockville, Maryland, and Lexington, Virginia. He was a famous cancer research scientist and science lab director who conducted innovative cancer research in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. He has had over 100 papers published in peer review scientific journals. He obtained a MS degree in bacteriology from The George Washington University, and was awarded a PhD from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.In his cancer research, Dr. Freeman identified and classified the oncogenic human adenoviruses. He also developed a rat cell transformation assay for carcinogenic chemicals. In later years, Aaron published research papers on the role of basement membrane components, fibronectin, laminin, and collagen 4 on the growth and differentiation of fetal liver cells.His greatest scientific achievement was developing a replacement for skin grafting by growing human skin in the laboratory to use as homografts for burn victims. For his work, he was honored with Co-Man of the Year for Akron, Ohio, in 1974. He was also in People magazine, Time, Newsweek, and featured on a segment of the NBC Nightly News.Aaron was also an author and poet, writing about creation of the universe. He talked about humankind's journey through history, with particular emphasis on the story of the Jewish people. Aaron was a loving husband and father who constantly helped his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with his huge heart.