Mr. Harold O. Freeman of Hampton New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2007 with his family at his side. Mr. Freeman was predeceased by his wife of 60 years Ellen B Freeman and a grandson Mark P. Ritchie.
Mr. Freeman was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on February 15th, 1910, the son of the late Arthur Freeman and Josie (Bartlett) Freeman.
Mr. Freeman led a very colorful life and would share stories of his experiences in great detail with his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 1918, at the age of 8 years old he would recount the newsboys at the Lawrence Eagle Tribune on Essex Street posting scores on chalkboards of the Boston Red Sox World Series games. In 1928 Mr. Freeman enlisted as a Private in the National Guard Wagon Company 102, 26th Division as a brakeman on a 19 Horse Wagon. Mr. Freeman originally worked as a Foundry Molder in the Lawrence Mills and later owned and operated Nana Butler’s Fish and Chips.
Mr. Freeman was a member of the IBEW as an employee of the Massachusetts Electric Company in Andover where he would later retire as a manager. After retirement, Mr. Freeman and his wife Ellen traveled frequently both in Europe and the United States.
Mr. Freeman is survived by his loving daughters, Elaine P. Ritchie and Marilyn (Marlie) J. Robertson and her husband John Robertson. He is also survived by grandchildren Gary W. Ritchie, William C. Ritchie, Lynn Ellen Christian, John Robertson III and Trace Freeman Robertson, great-granddaughters Sarah E. Schmal, Jessica E. Ritchie, Tracie L. Robertson, Casie A. Robertson, Caitlyn M. Ritchie, Anna L. Ritchie, Abigail M. Ritchie, Megan L. Christian, Zoe A. Robertson and Ashley E. Robertson. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews including Sheila Yule and Sharon Ledbetter.
Mr. Freeman was a Shriner and Mason and Member of the First Cavalry Baptist Church since 1924. Mr. Freeman was a direct descendant of The Reverend Frederick Freeman, founder of Sandwich, Massachusetts and of Josiah Bartlett, 1st signer of the Declaration of Independence in New Hampshire.
Calling hours were held in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover, Tuesday, July 24, 2007, from 4 to 8 PM. His funeral service was celebrated in the Calvary Baptist Church, North Andover, Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at 10 AM. Many relatives and friends respectfully attended. For additional information, please visit www.burkemagliozzi.com.