William E. “Bill” Freeman of Garrison, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday September 16, 2016. He was 87 years old. Bill worked as a roofing contractor and later as a co-owner of Garrison Woods, Inc., a custom home building and remodeling firm.

He was born on May 1, 1929, in Ossining, NY, to Augustus and Frances Cullen Freeman. On November 3, 1951, he married Margaret “Peggy” White at St. Theresa’s Church in Briarcliff, NY. Bill was a loving husband, and was devoted to his children, grandchildren, and church. He was a scoutmaster, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and was looked upon as father and grandfather by more than his own children and grandchildren. He was an avid golfer and especially enjoyed the game with his wife, his grandsons, and most of all the “core four.”

He is survived by six children: Beverly (Steven) Leardi of Garrison; Peter (Elizabeth) Freeman of Aurora, CO; Patrick (Karen) Freeman of Beacon, NY; Robert (Susan) Freeman of Garrison; Timothy Freeman of St. Augustine, FL; and Michael Freeman of Garrison.

He was “Papa Bill” to thirteen grandchildren: John William (Katherine) and Steven “Odie” Leardi (Tricia Sharp, fiancee); Sandra (Robert) Murphy; Naomi (Thomas) Dankworth; Sasha, Garrett, Zachary, Molly (Connor Walsh, fiance), Lucas, Madison, and Courtney Freeman; Christine (Cody) Mueller; and Kelly (Robert) Sprague. And also to seven great-grandchildren: Morgan Joan, Robert Thomas, III, and Julia Margaret Murphy; Steven Michael and John Rocco Leardi; Addlyn Margaret Dankworth; and Vale Elizabeth Mueller.

Bill was predeceased by Peggy and his eldest son, William E. “Billy” Freeman, Jr.

A Memorial Mass will be offered on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at 11 A.M., at Our Lady of Loretto Church, in Cold Spring, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, P.O. Box 300, Garrison, NY 10524.