Walter A. Freas

SUN CITY - Walter A. Freas, 72, of Sun City, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Jan. 15, 2012. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on Sept. 10, 1939, the son of Wilbur P. and Rebecca M. Freas. He was the beloved husband of 48 years to Jane E. Freas from Oreland, Pa. Remembered by his two sons, Wesley A. and Eric A. Freas; his daughters-in-law, Lara Freas and Theresa Freas; and his grandsons, Weston P., Carter N., and Crosby L. Freas. He is survived by his wife, Jane E. Freas of Sun City; and his sister, Patricia A. Ferrell of Holly Springs, N.C. Walt and Jane led their 4-person clan on numerous family camping adventures from their home on Willow Grove, Pa., in the 1970's, traveling to 40 states and Canada via travel trailer pulled along by their 1973 Chevrolet station wagon. In 1976, the family visited the great state of Arizona, and ultimately made the Phoenix area home that summer, traversing the country not once, but three times in the span of six months. Before his move out west, Walt was a member of the Willow Grove Volunteer Fire Department, serving the community for 10 years. After arriving in Phoenix, Walter, a 20-year employee of Bell of Pennsylvania, transferred to Mountain Bell and spent the rest of his 39-year career in service to Mountain Bell and US West, ultimately retiring in 1994. He then had numerous part time jobs to keep busy and made his final retirement in 2001. An endless tinkerer, Walt enjoyed fixing everything himself. Be it a plumbing disaster, an engine knock, or any household calamity, no problem was allowed to sustain. Walter enjoyed assembling model cars and trucks and would spend hours meticulously poring over every detail of his work. A huge sports fan, Walter was a devoted fan of 'his' teams which included the Philadelphia Flyers and Phoenix Suns, most notably. In retirement, Walt and Jane spent many years traveling in their fifth-wheel trailer across parts of the west including many summer months spent in Flagstaff, Ariz., and various spots in California. Walter never met an enemy, and was an instant friend to everyone he ever met. Courageous in life, courageous in death, Walter will be sorely missed by all. To know him was to love him, for he loved you. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sun Health Hospice of AZ, 19702 N. Routzahn Way, Sun City AZ 85373. Arrangements have been made by Sunland Memorial Park, Sun City. A small family celebration of life is pending.