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David Viger (Spud), CDR
to remember
Freitas, Ron, LCDR USN(Ret).
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Last Address Charleston SC
Date of Passing Feb 22, 2009
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Ronald Wayne Freitas
Ronald W. Freitas CHESAPEAKE - Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Ronald Wayne Freitas, 51, husband of Anne M. Freitas of Chesapeake, lost his courageous battle with cancer Feb. 22, 2009. Ron was born March 22, 1957, in Dillon, S.C., the oldest of three sons born to Mary Freitas and Ralph Freitas. Ron graduated from Dillon High School in 1975 and joined the United States Navy. After attending boot camp in Orlando, Fla., he attended the Navy's Air Traffic Control School in Millington, Tenn. After 30 years of service, he retired from the Navy in 2005, Ron was hired by Systems Research Group where he was made director of Operations supporting Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force air traffic control systems. Ron was an active member of the Little Creek Lions Club, Norfolk. He always put everyone else's concerns above his own. His greatest source of pride and joy could be found in the accomplishments of his girls. With the assistance of the Charleston Cancer Center of South Carolina, hospice, family and friends, Ron moved on to his next duty station and a mission of love was accomplished. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 23 years, Anne Freitas; three daughters, Michelle Freitas of Houston, Lauren Freitas and Audrey Freitas, both of Chesapeake. Relatives and friends of Ron Freitas are invited to attend his memorial service on March 14, 2009, at noon in First Baptist Church Dillon, 400 North 4th Ave., Dillon, SC 29536. The family will receive friends following the celebration of life service in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be conducted with full military honors at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund for Ronald W. Freitas, c/o Monarch Bank, 1034 S. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23322 Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cremation & Burial of Hampton Roads, 4445 Corporation Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
Ron was first a great friend, an endlessly generous person, a hero of mine . . . he will live forever in my heart
~
s. murray,
providence, Rhode Island
April 09, 2009
This morning I took some time and reread the entries. One word that keeps jumping out to me is "positive". Positive force. Positive attitude. (He even had good things to say about the hospital food.) And he continues to be "positive" as he brings us together. And reminds me to appreciate and enjoy friends and family. Thanks Freitas. ("Dustin Hoffman"?)
Upon my retirement from active duty at the Pentagon in 1990, Ron was one of a new crop of LDO’s chosen (in his case by CDR Dave Kramer) to replace old salts like me. To be selected as an LDO requires standout performance and leadership that from many of the remarks in this guest book continued throughout his career as a "Mustang" AC. I had the privilege of seeing him about 10 years ago while he was serving as the “Force ATC Officer” at COMNAVAIRPAC at North Island, San Diego and was impressed with his military bearing and professionalism. Most recently we spoke last year before he became ill and I was impressed with his humility and graciousness. As a follower of Christ myself, it pleases me to know that I will have the privilege of seeing him “topside.”
Sent with deepest sympathy,
~
Capt. Thomas McMahon, USN (ret),
Davidsonville, Maryland
March 24, 2009
To the Freitas family,
My deepest sympathies for your loss. I would have loved to have attended the services earlier this month, but I was out of state due to my mother's passing from cancer also. I know how frail she was in her last days, and know how excruciating it is watching your loved one fade away in such a manner.
Ron was my first Facility Officer in Fallon, and was a true inspiration - both personally and professionally. He had the courage to stand for what was right and let you know when you were wrong. He is one of only a few people to whom I feel I owe my career.
I pray that God richly blesses you and gives you His comfort in this difficult time.
Ben, it was kind of you on March 17, 2009 to make an entry in the Guest Book. The well attended (350 people +) Memorial Service on March 14, 2009 turned out almost perfect. The only downside being Michelle's absence due to health related travel restrictions.
As Ron and I planned it, our mission, at the Memorial Service, was to bring a little peace and comfort, to our daughters, and the many who in one way or another have touched this little family of five. So glad Ron and I, made the decision to have it in Dillon, SC. An extra thank you goes out to everyone who traveled from afar to Ron's boyhood home, without you the service would not have been the same.
We gave Mary, Ron's mom, free reign to do whatever she pleased in the Church Fellowship Hall and as always she came through. The luncheon was WONDERFUL. I am sure no one left hungry!
Open Call: All are invited to attend Ron's internment, ground burial, at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA on May 27, 2009 @3:00PM (must arrive 1/2 hour prior to service). Questions? Contact www.arlingtoncemetery.org
Ron's spirit encourages me when all seems impossible,
Anne Freitas (Chesapeake, VA)
March 19, 2009
It was my pleasure and honor to have first met and worked with LTJG Freitas back at FFVC in the early 90s. Without exception, he is one of those rare people that you have never heard anyone say anything unkind about or critical of. Absolutely everyone always respected Ron and was in turn treated with respect and it was a pleasure to work for and with him. Like some of you, I had the opportunity to visit with he and Anne at their home late during the first week of February, and while I was a bit nervous about going - I knew without any doubt it was the right thing to do and what I wanted to do. The very second I entered their home it felt warm, welcoming, and comforting (both to me and to everyone else there as well). Everyone visited, pitched in, waited turn, petted the family dog, as if it were all of "our" house; like a "regular" Navy Family. Visiting with Ron and Anne was so rewarding and fulfilling and I shall never forget it or the grace and dignity with which they both traveled this path. I can only hope for the same when my day comes because you see, Ron was and remains an inspiration to us all in more ways than we probably know.
My very best wishes to Anne, Michelle, Lauren, and Audrey. What an absolutely beautiful and loving family!
Daphne Corrado (Orlando, FL)
March 19, 2009
Had the pleasure of working for Ron at FACSFAC VACAPES. He was always there for his people and taught me a lot...God bless the family..and thanks Ron.
Ron was the hardest working LPO I ever worked for. While underway onboard the Vinson in 1983, early in the mornings, one would occasionally ask for Ron's whereabouts since he wasn't in his rack. After a while we learned to look behind the stat boards in CATCC where he would be in the fetal position catching a couple of hours of sleep after staying up late to do LPO stuff after Case 3 ops. Later in my career I looked up to him as a voice of reason and common sense in dealing with issues. He was truly a great mentor and shipmate.
Anne, Please accept my condolences and prayers for the family. I, too, enjoyed Ron's company from time to time and can't remember him without a smile on his face. He will be alive for many years to come in the Navy's Air Traffic Control Community through more sea stories than you could probably imagine. A great friend, mentor, leader and controller - he'll be missed.
ACCS Bill Ellis (Virginia Beach, VA)
March 19, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. As with many around the world, I am proud to be able to call him a Shipmate. He took a wild young controller and helped me to become a leader in today's Navy. His time with us all was not wasted, He IS an inspiration! God Bless You, Sir.
MA1(AW) Talib Abdullah (Chesapeake, VA)
March 17, 2009
Anne, a truly memorable service. Thank you and Ms. Mary for using Dillon as the setting.
For those in the Summerville/Charleston area, I (and I think I can find another) will trade you Ronnie for Ron stories.
Ben Hardaway (Summerville/Aiken/Dillon) Contact me
March 11, 2009
Debbie Miller (Dillon, SC)
March 11, 2009
Ronnie was so much fun to be around. He will truly be missed by everyone who knew him. May God bless each of you in the days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandy Keith Herring
Sandy Herring (Dillon, SC)
March 10, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May God continue to strenghten and comfort you.
Jerry, Patricia, Blair, & Timothy Smith (Dillon, SC)
March 6, 2009
My memories of Ron are of a down to earth good human being who tried to do the best job that he possibly could at whatever the task. He has inspired many and will be remembered for the fine person that he is. The Navy and Air Traffic Control community have truly lost one of the good ones! My deepest condolences to the family.
Ben Heim (Pace, FL)
March 6, 2009
I was fortunate to serve with Ron in Millington while on Instructor duty. His strong will and friendship was and still is an inspiration to everyone. He will be missed by all that he came in contact with. God bless.
Mike Griesman (Summerville, SC)
March 3, 2009
My heart goes out to Ronnie's mother, Mary, to Anne and their three daughters.
Ronnie was around nine when I met him and his family. He was with his mother, father, and two brothers, Glenn and Eric at a campground in Myrtle Beach, SC. All three boys were so full of life, outgoing, and had NO FEAR of anything. Ronnie's parents were devoted to their boys, and their lives revolved around sports, music, boating, and school activities. They loved their boys and were so proud of them. Based on the comments from friends and family, Ronnie continued that tradition with his own three daughters.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with those of us who lost touch with Ronnie during his adult life. He was a beautiful person.
Brenda Cumbee Fletcher (Raleigh, NC)
March 3, 2009
I had the opportunity to visit Ron a week before he passed on. Before my wife and I set out for the drive to Chesapeake from Fredericksburg I gave Ann a call and she was more than gracious for taking on visitors even though she had a house full of relatives. Amazing women, more later. Honestly I was a bit apprehensive about seeing Ron, wasn't sure how to act, what to say, etc.... but when I walked away I felt like Ron had done more for me than I could have ever done for him. You see Judy and I we were fortunate that day, we got to spend an hour with Ron whereas I was told most we could expect was maybe 15 minutes. During that time I saw a man, although physically frail and the look of a prisoner in a concentration camp, had a spiritual strength that was amazing and inspirational. Talked of being ready to go "top side" and be with Jesus, of course he was sad to be leaving Ann and the girls. We chatted of old times, laughed a bit, talked of things as if we were having lunch, and yet there was a calm and confident presence Ronnie had when talking about the transition. If ever there was a witness to be strong in the faith, Ronnie had it. And Ann, there by his side but never smothering, just a love you find in two people who know who they are and where they are going. In the last days I know that Ann was having a hard go of it but yet I'm sure she stood strong for Ron even when he was no longer responsive. That day I learned a whole lot more about my friend in that short hour than I probably learned in the years I have know him. He was a blessing that day and always will be a blessing.
Ronnie, I'll see you top-side.
Brett Easler (Fredericksburg, VA)
March 2, 2009
To Anne and The Freitas Family,
I am from Ronnies' high school class, we were good friends growing up from cub scouts on. Ronnie was always fun to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Charles Lucius (Marietta, GA)
March 2, 2009
Ron will be missed by those he touched, with his positive outlook and zest for life and his love for jokes. His no fear attitude blessed all that knew him, with a smile, and will continue each time we think of him, from now on. He made a great difference in this World and now his new mission has begun, I'm sure he will conquer all. My prayers and condolences are with the family at this sad time. Working with Ron was one of the great joys of my life, he had such a positive can do attitude in all he did. He will sadly be missed both as a co-worker and a good friend.
Anne and girls,
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. I, too, am one of the "Class of '75". Ronnie was a great friend and always had a smile on his face. I sure many of us could tell you some good stories about his high schools days. Take care and all of us will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan (Susie) Turner McAlister (Bradley, SC)
March 1, 2009
As another of Ronnie's classmates, my heartfelt sympathy is extended to you and your family. You each are in my prayers
To Ron's family,
Ronnie (as we called him way back when) was my best friend growing up in Dillon. Reading the comments from his Navy family shows me that he carried those great qualities he had as a teenager all the way through his life. I will always cherish memories of the fun times we had growing up. What a great guy and a true friend.
God bless you.
Duncan (Dunc) Rogers (Pawleys Island, SC) Contact me
February 28, 2009
Nothing makes a mother prouder than to hear good things about her son. I know that Ron "Ronnie" to me, was special and that he treated all people with respect and dignity. That's the way he was to his family, his parents, grandparents, and all the people he came in contact with.
He truly inspired us all. I will always remember his voice when he phoned me, "Hey mom, it's me"! I am a very proud mom. Thank you for your love for my son. Mary C. Freitas, 1110 Richard Street, Dillon, SC 29536
Mary C. Freitas (Dillon, SC)
February 28, 2009
Dear Freitas family.I am so sorry to hear of Rons passing.He fought a very brave fight.I know first hand what your going through and I wish Gods grace and peace to you all
Billy Williams (Chesapeake, VA)
February 28, 2009
Michelle,
I am deeply saddened by your loss. My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Love
Calandra White (Tulsa, OK)
February 28, 2009
I guess I met Ron in about the 5th grade (both played sax, but not that well!) He was a part of my growing up. And I am better for knowing him. It was a huge treat for me that Ron become employed in Charleston and to renew our friendship, and he still owes me lunch!
Thoughts and prayers,
Ben
Ben Hardaway (Summerville, Dillon, & Aiken, SC) Contact me
February 27, 2009
Dear Anne and Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Ron's passing. Now his suffering is over
and he can rest peacefully.
My first knowledge of Ron was in 1988 when I was a member of the In-Service
Procurement Board that selected him for LDO. I had the privilege of
reviewing his service record and recommending his selection for a commission
as an LDO Ensign. I was very impressed then and his performance as an Air
Traffic Control Officer continued to impress me during my years of active
service. Ron was a hard working and dedicated naval officer who was highly
respected within the AC community. Ron will be missed by all.
Ron and I became very good friends. I have many fond memories of times
spent with Ron and the conversations we had. I will cherish them forever.
He called me his "Godfather" because he felt I was responsible for his
promotion to LDO. The reason he was selected was because of the
accomplishments and performance documented in his record, not my influence.
However, I always appreciated being called his "Godfather".
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Dave & Mae Kramer (Hemet, CA)
February 27, 2009
Anne, I was a high school classmate of Ronnie's (Ron I guess now)....
I loved his postive attitude!
My prayers are with you and the girls.
Knowing Ron has been both an honor and a blessing. His amazing ability to find the silver lining behind every cloud was truly inspirational. Though faced with his darkest hours, he still managed to greet everyone with a smile and a story about the two things that he loved the most: his family and the Navy. He will be missed but not forgotten. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with the family.
Karen Seals (North Charleston, SC)
February 27, 2009
Hello Again,
Always a forward thinking guy, my husband, Ron, in a period of 2 years and 22 days read many obituaries and then pen his own, as it was to be written in all publications. He left me a wonderful road map to carry out his wishes and with honor I've done so.
For those who know us well you may have caught an error in the first sentence. I don't think it was an accident it was published this way, I think it was God's way of getting it right.
With Pride and Love,
Anne
Anne Freitas (Chesapeake, VA)
February 27, 2009
Dear Anne, Michelle, Lauren and Audrey,
We're saddened by your loss. We're proud and privileged to have known Ron and to have been part of his extended family. What a great guy across all the many roles of life--including cherished brother-in-law and loving uncle. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Pat, Greg, Christine and Mark
Pat Donica (Austin, TX)
February 26, 2009
Ron was on his was out of NAS Fallon as I checked in as a young AC2. My career path seemed to be one tour behind him as I was on the Carl Vinson prior to Fallon. I never personally knew him but his legacy was one that I tried to emulate. I appreciate everything that he did for our rate and the people he touched because they touched me. God bless.
Thank you for taking the time to sign the Guest Book. Your posts are a comfort and each time we read one it is like receiving a "virtual hug". From near and far keep those hugs coming! Spread the word to others, who might be unaware of this electronic avenue, to add their sentiments to this message board.
With Warm Regards For Your Thoughtfulness,
Anne, Michelle, Lauren, & Audrey (Ron's Girls)
Anne Freitas (Chesapeake, VA)
February 26, 2009
MY thoughts and prayers are with you Ann and the children and with all of his family.
Betty Caulder Price (Dillon, SC)
February 26, 2009
Ron always took me under his wing and gave me the "country skinny" as he would put it. He was true mentor to me and I will miss him dearly.
Cash Castillo (Brunswick, ME)
February 26, 2009
Ron and I were instructors stationed at NATTC Millington in the mid 80's and his was the first commissioning ceremony I attended and I remember Anne made sandwiches for the reception. Ron was my relief at FACSFAC VACAPES and I asked him to read the Controller's Creed at my retirement ceremony in 2004. Ron and I shared similar attitudes, passion for our community, our sailors and our Navy. He was an excellent leader, mentor to many and a true shipmate. His spirit will live on in the men and women he trained and inspired to excel. I will miss his laughter, friendship and love of life. My deepest sympathy to Ron's family, wife Anne and lovely children.
Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ron. What a source of inspiration, confidence and direction. As I sit here at NGSB looking out the window at CVN 70, pierside durng her current yard period, I can't help but recall the discussions we had about his three tours of duty aboard this ship. He’ll be missed, but he certainly will not be forgotten. CATCC 70 = LCDR Ron Freitas
ACCM (Ret) Seth Fitch (VA Beach, VA)
February 26, 2009
Ron constantly amazed me with his positive attitude. He was always kind, friendly and helpful. His family, and how proud he was of them, was something evident from the first minute I met him. My prayers are with those he loved.
Larry Kuzniak (Summerville, SC)
February 26, 2009
Ron was a great leader and mentor. I had the privelege to work with Ron in Fallon and here in Charleston. His smiling face and humor will always be with me.
From one "shorty" to another......
Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Gale Ansardi (Charleston, SC)
February 25, 2009
Dear Anne, Lauren and Oddree,
All our prayers and thoughts are with you all. We will miss Ron's great heart and joyful laughter. We are so very lucky to have spent a bit of time with him and cherish those times. God bless your whole family.
Debra Kern and Bill Clancy (Chesapeake, VA)
February 25, 2009
1996-1999, 639X, Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon, NV
Ronald W. Freitas CHESAPEAKE - Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Ronald Wayne Freitas, 51, husband of Anne M. Freitas of Chesapeake, lost his courageous battle with cancer Feb. 22, 2009. Ron was born March 22, 1957, in Dillon, S.C., the oldest of three sons born to Mary Freitas and Ralph Freitas. Ron graduated from Dillon High School in 1975 and joined the United States Navy. After attending boot camp in Orlando, Fla., he attended the Navy's Air Traffic Control School in Millington, Tenn. After 30 years of service, he retired from the Navy in 2005, Ron was hired by Systems Research Group where he was made director of Operations supporting Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force air traffic control systems. Ron was an active member of the Little Creek Lions Club, Norfolk. He always put everyone else's concerns above his own. His greatest source of pride and joy could be found in the accomplishments of his girls. With the assistance of the Charleston Cancer Center of South Carolina, hospice, family and friends, Ron moved on to his next duty station and a mission of love was accomplished. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 23 years, Anne Freitas; three daughters, Michelle Freitas of Houston, Lauren Freitas and Audrey Freitas, both of Chesapeake. Relatives and friends of Ron Freitas are invited to attend his memorial service on March 14, 2009, at noon in First Baptist Church Dillon, 400 North 4th Ave., Dillon, SC 29536. The family will receive friends following the celebration of life service in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be conducted with full military honors at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund for Ronald W. Freitas, c/o Monarch Bank, 1034 S. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23322 Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cremation & Burial of Hampton Roads, 4445 Corporation Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
