Robert Henry Freed (“Ben”) of Telford passed away on July 30, 2021 at the age of 93 at ManorCare Health Services in Montgomeryville, PA. 

Until just a few months ago, Ben was enjoying living out his retirement years in his home on Erie Avenue, where he had resided for 63 years among wonderful neighbors. Mr. Freed was creative and possessed a good eye for garment design. He worked as a laborer and foreman in the textile industry at plants in Maryland, Souderton (Standard Terry Mills), Bethlehem PA, and Telford (Merrill Landis Ltd). An intelligent man who suffered profound hearing loss in childhood, Ben regretted being unable to attend university. However, he always endeavored to educate himself and strove to ensure his children would have the educational opportunities he did not.

Mr. Freed loved God and was a long time member of Grace United Methodist Church (Grace Evangelical when he first joined). There he faithfully served for years in many roles, including Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday schoolteacher, and lay conference representative.

One of Ben’s hobbies was studying bonsai and making lovely arrangements—many of which he gifted to loved ones. Mr. Freed maintained a sharp mind into his 90s by reading the Philadelphia Inquirer daily and watching cable news. Ben was also an avid sports fan who had been a 3-sport athlete at Souderton High School and who had officiated youth basketball as a young man. In later years he liked watching (and critiquing) sports on television, especially Eagles football, NCAA basketball, and Phillies baseball. Ben remained strong and physically fit into his late 80s. In fact, he single-handedly cared for his ailing spouse at home before she passed away of lung cancer in 2014.

Mr. Freed was a devoted husband to Martyne (“Teeny”), his wife of 63 years. Together they raised three children. Mr. Freed was especially proud of all the school Scholars’ Banquets he was invited to attend for each of his daughters. Before marriage, Ben and Teeny had enjoyed dancing to the Glen Miller band. Some of Ben’s favorite songs were “Moonlight Serenade,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and “Juke Box Saturday Night.” Once his dancing feet slowed down, Ben continued to play these and other oldies like “You Made Me Love You,” and “Stardust” on his iPad. In Mr. Freed’s sunset years, he and Teeny could often be found relaxing outdoors together on their beautiful patio.

Ben was notoriously fond of chocolate and looked forward to chocolate donut excursions with his good neighbor and helpful friend, Dave Moll. Dave could always be counted on to help Ben with a variety of tasks. After Teeny had passed away, Ben greatly benefited from the many delicious home-cooked meals Gail Moll sent over. Mr. Freed deeply appreciated the frequent visits and generous loving care from dear family friend, Laura Keel, who stuck with him to the end despite his grouchiness. He was also very grateful to his brother-in-law, Bill and younger sister, Margie (who had worked with him at the mill), for doing his grocery shopping when he could no longer drive. Ben looked forward to regular evening phone visits with his brother-in-law, Warren Bentzen of Plattsburgh, NY. Among the friends Ben cherished most is Lonnie Tuck Jr. He enjoyed chatting with Lonnie and reading the Bible together. Mr. Freed’s daughters are thankful for all the kindnesses offered their father by these and other godly people. They not only enriched his life, but also enabled Ben to remain in the home he loved.

Robert H. Freed was born in Souderton, PA to (Grace) Delilah Royer Freed and Henry Nice Freed on October 25, 1927. He is pre-deceased by his wife Martyne Bentzen Freed, his eldest daughter Dr. Melanie Freed Riemersma, and his sister Gloria Freed Hunsberger. In addition to his siblings Richard Freed, J. William Freed and wife Arlene, and Margie Opdyke and husband William, Mr. Freed is survived by 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. They are: Gwendolyn (Freed) Ginez of Lewes, DE and husband Andres; Bethany (Freed) Paxson of Philadelphia and husband Al; Lauren (Riemersma) Stevens of Old Town, ME; Christian Ginez of New York, NY; Sophia Ginez of New York, NY; Joel Riemersma of Brunswick, ME; Corey Riemersma of Halifax, Nova Scotia; Natalie Ginez of Albuquerque, NM; Kayden Stevens, Jack Stevens, and Leo Ginez.

A graveside service for close family and friends will be held outdoors at Whitemarsh Memorial Park, 1169 Limekiln Pike, Ambler, PA on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 11:30 AM. Attendees should meet at the cemetery’s bell tower at 11:15 AM to proceed together in their vehicles to the grave site. Pastor Jackie Daniszewski, who faithfully ministered to Mr. Freed, will conduct the outdoor service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 295 S. Main Street, Telford, PA 18969.