Born April 25, 1958 in Cuba, he was the son of Dr. Max E.
and Rita (Kaufmann) Freeman, I. On May
10, 1980 in Allegany he married Deborah S. Elling, who survives.
John was a 1976 graduate of Cuba Central School and began
employment at Paul Brown Motors. At an early age he exhibited an interest in
understanding how machines worked and was a self-taught mechanic and
jack-of-all trades. In 1983 he established
Freeman's Auto Service in Cuba. He was
counted on by his many family, friends, and the community to fix their cars or
any machine that required his talented touch.
He was a 32nd degree Mason, a former councilman for the town
of Cuba, and a former member of the Cuba Lions Club. John was a water sports
enthusiast and certified Master Diver in addition to being a member of the
Power Squadrons. He was an avid camper,
motorcyclist, snowmobiler, and former member of the Cuba Driftbusters.
John was extremely proud of his family and enjoyed hosting
large get-togethers. He had an amazing
sense of humor with an effective sarcastic tone at times and enjoyed gathering
with his friends during the week at various coffee-meeting locations.
Surviving in addition to his wife are 4 children Justin L.
(Meghan Perschke) Freeman of Rochester, Kristie L. (Kevin) Flower of
Pittsville, MD, Andrew J. (Cara) Freeman of Cuba and Adam M. Freeman of
Lakewood; 4 grandchildren Aaden, Jack, Jillian and Colton; 2 brothers Max E. (Brenda
Ferrier) Freeman, II of Prescott, AZ and Stewart A. (Karla Frost) of Cuba; 2
sisters Melissa (John) Raes of Phelps and Becky (Dennis Sawaya) Malzahn of
Englewood, FL and many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the
Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. Funeral services will be held Friday
(November 15, 2019) at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Rev. Jon Ward, pastor of North Park Wesleyan
Church in Cuba, will officiate. Online
condolences may be expressed at www.oleanfuneralhome.com.
