Robert G Freeman

New York, New York/Monson, MA-Robert George Freeman, 92, died on August 9, 2019 in New York City after a brief illness.  He was born in Monson on August 22, 1926 to the late Seymour and Eva (Blodgett) Freeman.  Bob was a graduate of Monson High School.  He was drafted into the Army just as WWII was coming to an end in 1945.  He was stationed in Germany a week after VE Day.  He received his Bachelors degree at UMass Amherst on the new GI bill, followed by his Masters in Library Science at Pace University in New York City.  He then went on to a thirty year career as the Head of the Great Neck Library on Long Island.  Not happy in retirement he took a library position at Stephens College in New Jersey, retiring a second time at age 79.  He never lost his fondness for Monson and maintained a second home here until his death.  He loved traveling and continued to do so into his 90’s, going to Cuba at 91 and a Rhine cruise last April.

Robert was predeceased by his sisters Alice Meurisse and Betty Bouchard and his brother Rufus Freeman, all of Monson.  He is survived by his beloved partner of 62 years, Joseph Frigenti.  Known simply as “Uncle Bob” to his surviving nieces and nephews, David and James Meurisse of Monson, Joan Smola of Hadley, Walter Meurisse of Santa Barbara, CA, Laura Dutton of Leesburg, VA, Cliff Freeman of Baltimore, MD, Sandra Sasseville of South Hadley, Lisa Bouchard of Springfield, Robert and Thomas Plattner of Phoenix, AZ.  He will be fondly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services have been entrusted to Lombard Funeral Home 3 Bridge St,  Monson, MA.  Visiting hours will be held Thursday, August 15, 2019 from 10-11am, a service will be held at 11am in the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Monson.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Monson Free Library 2 High St. Monson, MA 01057.