Mr. William J. Freeman, 87, died peacefully on Monday, February 21, 2011 at his home in Verona. A funeral mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Verona on Friday, February 25 at 10 a.m. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.
Born in Orange, Mr. Freeman grew up in West Orange and moved to Verona 56 years ago. He was co-owner with the late Peter Taylor of the Bengal Press, Inc. in Roseland, retiring in 1989.
Mr. Freeman served in North Africa with the U.S. Navy during WW II and was active in Our Lady of the Lake parish, serving as an usher and a driver for the sick.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Wilma P. (nee Varley) Freeman, his children John T. Freeman, Patricia F. Benincasa (Charles) and William P. Freeman (Linda). He is the brother of Barbara McManus, James L. Freeman, the late Thomas J. Freeman, the late Mary A. Miller and is the grandfather of Christine Benincasa, Mary Benincasa, William Freeman, Anna Freeman, Ryan Freeman, Andrew Freeman, Connor Freeman and is also survived by many nieces and nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated.
