Obituaries

John Albert Freitas, 88, of Newark, died Saturday, January 4, 2014.

He was born to the late John and Catherine Freitas, June 23, 1925 in Newark, CA. He attended Washington High School and married Norma Jean Santos in 1946. He resided in Newark, CA for his entire life where he owned and operated Sunset Foundry with his late brother, David Freitas.

John was a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. For many years he cooked soupas for the Portuguese Holy Ghost at the Newark Pavilion.

John was an uncommonly kind and resilient man. Although he endured many hardships throughout his life he never let them get the best of him.

After retiring, John and Norma traveled the world extensively. He loved to reminisce about the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids in Egypt. John was an avid reader, an excellent cook, a talented craftsman, and a lifelong San Francisco Giants fan. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife of 67 years: Norma Jean; his children: Jeff (Yvonne) Freitas and Joan (Glenn) Fedirko; his grandchildren: Sarah, Heather, Greg, Danny, and Jenya; his great-grandchildren: Taryn and Conner; and sister: Thelma Gonzalves. John was preceded in death by his siblings: David Freitas, Eleanor Milan, Florence Lacey, and Lillian Kettman.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 10, 10:30am at St. Edward's Catholic Church, 5788 Thornton Ave., Newark, CA 94560. Donations may be made in memory of John to the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, 43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539-5829 or online at: https://support.msjdominicans.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=298