Obituary of Kenneth J. Freer

Kenneth J. Freer passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Monday, September 29, 2014. He was a beloved husband, devoted father and loving grandfather. He was a great friend to everyone who knew him.Ken was born in the Bronx, NY, and grew up a typical "Bronx boy." After school he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He brought the pride and honor he learned there into everything he did throughout his life.After the service he returned home and in 1963 he met Judy Altieri, who became the love of his life. Ken and Judy married in 1966 and spent the next 48 years building their family. Ken loved being a husband and a dad. By example he showed his children what a real man was and how to care for family. He got to see how well they learned when they became parents themselves. He absolutely adored being a grandfather and cherished all the moments he was able to spend with his family. He showed the same dedication that he had for his family to his career. He loved to work and he took great pride and ownership in everything he did. Ken was a highly successful business leader in the manufacturing industry. With his unquestionable ethics and devoted loyalty, he created a lifetime circle of professional friends. After the children were grown and out on their own, Ken dedicated his time to creating his own company. KEM Holdings was started and run by him and Judy and named after their children. Ken was very proud of this company and the joy of doing things his way. Through KEM, Ken had the opportunity to help many other companies grow and succeed. One of his favorite things to do was to mentor and help colleagues work on their career goals. He treated everyone he met with great respect. He always felt he learned from them and he tried to guide them in any way he could. He treated everyone as if he was their father which usually included direction and lots of advice. Ken was an avid animal lover. He enjoyed feeding the birds and ducks and even carried treats in his car for his favorite pets. Even after he became ill, Ken never stopped planning for the future. He was always working on the next deal.He was predeceased by his mother and father; Kathleen and Kenneth Freer. He is survived by his wife Judy Freer, his children; Eric and Kathy Freer, Kerry Anne and Stefan Walus, Michael and Toni Freer and his 7 grandchildren; Aleah, Brian, Brennan, Branden, Vanessa, Colin and Madison. Though Ken is in heaven, his spirit and love lives on in the hearts of his family.