Frank A. Freire, 83, of Vero Beach, died Tuesday, March 1, 2011, at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach.
Frank A. Freire was born Oct. 10, 1927, in Bayonne, N.J.
He had two sisters, Beatrice and Rosemarie.
Frank grew up in Brooklyn, NY.
Frank served in the Army as an MP Sgt. during World War II for approximately three years.
He entered from West Palm Beach and discharged June 18, 1946. He was a ship fitter in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
In 1967, when the Brooklyn Navy Yard closed, he relocated his family to South Jersey.
He worked for the Department of Defense at the Philadelphia Naval Supply Depot, as an engineer technician until he retired at 56 in 1984.
When Frank retired, he moved to Spanish Lakes Country Club, in Ft. Pierce, 27 years ago.
He remarried to Genie March 24 years ago.
Frank enjoyed playing tennis, softball team, bowling league, little league umpire and coach.
He was very active and fit. Until recently in 2010, daily he still rode a bike, swam or walked laps in the pool.
He was very active helping set up for clubhouse activities in Spanish Lakes Country Club.
He was an active member of St. Helens Catholic Church, in Vero Beach.
For many years, Frank handmade rosary beads for missions to sell for funding at St. Helens Catholic Church. He also sponsored several priests to go to monastery and many missions.
Frank enjoyed playing bingo and bunco. He also enjoyed being around other people, being outside and listening to Frank Sinatra.
Frank was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and Progressive Palsy, which he battled for almost two years.
Survivors include his wife of 24 years Genie; two daughters, Barbara and Diane; and two grandsons Michael and David.
Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association Development Department, 27001 Agoura Rd., Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida.
Condolences may be sent through www.seawindsfh.com/obituaries.php
