John Freedman

John Freedman Jr., age 97, of Torrington, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2017 at his home after a lengthy illness.  He was the husband of the late Jennie Freedman who passed away in February of 2016. John was born in April 30, 1919 by a midwife on a 3rd story apartment on Woodbine Street in Torrington, the son of the late John Sr. and Susan (Shalling) Freedman. He was also the last survivor of four brothers.

After graduating from Torrington High School in 1936 he went to work for the Torrington Company- Excelsior Plant. He left there from 1942 to 1946 to serve in the United States Air Force as a metal working instructor, traveling the country teaching new recruits.

After serving in the military he returned to the Torrington Company, received an Associates Degree from New Haven College and was employed as the production control manager at the sewing machine division until its closure after which he retired.

Music was in John’s blood, he was an avid violin player from a young lad. In the 20s he and his brother Paul had a duo band called the “Modern Mountaineers” playing in local taverns for $2.00 a night for a 3 hour gig. The duo played in a Hank Williams Amateur show in the Torrington Armory and later at another amateur show at the Warner Theatre winning first prize  enabling them to play on WTIC at a state competition. John was also a concert master of the Torrington Symphony and concert director for the choir at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for many years.

John as a very active man, he loved traveling with his wife Jennie where they had the opportunity to travel to many countries.  He was an avid sportsmen, playing softball with the team called “Pumpers”, golfed frequently, was a duck pin bowler and downhill skied until his late 80s.

A man with a green thumb… Loved his gardening and a yard full of colorful plants, shrubs and juicy vegetables he and Jennie enjoyed together.

A prayer service will be held for John at the Chapel at Hillside Cemetery on April 6, at 11am