Donald W. Freed

WILLIAMSPORT - Donald W. Freed, 92,  died on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Williamsport Regional Medical Center. He was born on August 31, 1924, the son of the late Walter C. and Dorothy (Youngman) Freed. He is predeceased by three brothers Walter C., Dale Y., and Bruce J.S., Freed and a sister Marian Freed Hege.  His remaining sibling, June Freed Wilcox, 99, resides in Memphis, Tennessee and sister in-law, Mrs. Bruce Freed (Naomi Geyser Freed) of Lewisburg, Pa.

Don and his wife Phyllis A (Frey) of York, Pa were married for 61 years before her passing in 2009. They were members of Church of the Savior Lutheran.

Don graduated from Williamsport High School in 1941. After 2 years attending Mansfield State College, he served in WWII, joining the U.S. Army Air Corps in the China/Burma/ India theatre.  A decorated pilot, he was awarded the Air Medal with bronze and silver oak leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After discharge from the Air Corps he earned his B.S. from Westchester State College followed by post graduate and D. Ed degrees from Penn State University. He served the Williamsport Area School District for 28 years as Media Director.

Don's professional music career began in 1956 as violinist with the Atlanta Symphony and then continued for many years as concertmaster and concerto soloist for the former Williamsport Symphony Orchestra (WSO).  The WSO will posthumously honor Don, along with all previous players, on October 18th as the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra continues its 50th Anniversary season.  He also played with the Susquehanna Valley Orchestra, Susquehanna Chorale Orchestra and numerous local chamber and church groups for such conductors as Cyril Stretansky and Thomas Shellenberger.  Don was first violinist of the Hart String Quartet and gave numerous recitals at both Bucknell and Susquehanna Universities.

Don is survived by his devoted children, sons Wayne S Freed (Shirley Matrassi) of Utica NY, David A. and wife Lee Freed of Williamsport and Jersey Shore, and a daughter Nancy Freed Cardone of Caldwell NJ. He is also mourned by his beloved granddaughters Nicole D. Freed of Sandy, Utah, Lauren Freed Weidman and husband Chad of New Berlin, NY, Natalie R. Freed and fiancé Christopher of Tyrone, Pa, Kimberly R Cardone of Bluffton, SC, and step-granddaughters Erin L. Karara and husband Kareem of Edgewater, MD, Lauren Laughlin of Williamsport, dear friend and music companion, Kay Huffman and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be held 9:30 a.m. Friday, October 14, 2016 at the First Church - United Methodist (Evangelical Center), 604 Market St., Williamsport with Pastor DG Giordano officiating the service.  Graveside services will follow at Wildwood Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Carnegie Library for the Blind, 4724 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA  15213.

The family has entrusted Maneval Allen Redmond Cremation & Funeral Home, 500 West 4th Street, Williamsport with the arrangements.

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