Antonio Fernando Freda

Local businessman and well-known entertainer, Antonio F. (Tony) Freda passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 9, 2023 following a yearlong battle with cancer.

Mr. Freda was born in Montenero Val Cocchiara, Isernia, Italy on February 25, 1949, the son of the late Rinaldo S. and Iole (nee Orlando) Freda. He immigrated to the US when he was 8 years old. He graduated from Lorain High School, a member of the class of 1968. He was a member of Church of St. Peter Catholic Church in Lorain.

He was the founder and owner of Freda Electric, Inc. in Lorain for 36 years. Previously he worked for US Steel and as a young man, he worked for the former Manhattan Market.  He was also proud to be a member of the Boy Scouts of America and earned many badges for his work.

 Mr. Freda was a long-time devoted member of the Lorain Lions Club serving on several committees. He received the Melvin Jones Award, the highest award given to a Lion for his service.

He was inducted into the Knights of Columbus in 2013 as a First Degree Knight.  Shortly after his induction, he became the Deputy Grand Knight for Council 637.  He also served as an active Trustee for the Council as well.  As a Fourth Degree Knight of the McManis Assembly 811, Mr. Freda served as Past Faithful Navigator, and most currently as a Trustee.  He was very active in the Knights and participated in many of the various projects and activities.

His hobbies included singing Karaoke, snowmobiling, motorcycling, fishing and winemaking.

A talented entertainer, Mr. Freda made multiple appearances in a show he entitled a "Tribute to Elvis." His talent was an accolade to "The King" and many of his friends and followers often called him "The King". 

Tony is survived by his wife of 35 years, Linda "Lin" (nee Arnold) Freda, son Tony M. Freda (Jill Lackey) of Tremont, grandchildren Joseph R. Freda, Sophia M. Freda, sisters Carmela (Vincenzo) Caserta of Erie, PA, Maria L. Zidow, of Parker, Colorado, brothers Enrico (Rick) Freda, of Alpharetta, GA, Giulio G. (Janis) Freda, of Parker, Colorado, and many nieces and nephews that he adored.

Friends may call on Saturday, September 16, 2023 in the Church of St. Peter Catholic Church, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain from 11:00 am until a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 1:00 pm with Father Gerald J. Keller, officiating.  The Lorain Lions Club Memorial Service will be at noon and the Knights of Columbus will have a Memorial Service at 12:30 pm.

The family suggest memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel To Towers (T2T.org) supporting families of wounded or deceased Veterans and the police and firefighters who perished in the attacks on 9/11, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Peter Church, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, OH 44052.

Burial will be private.

The Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home for Funerals assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences at www.boyercool.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Antonio Fernando Freda, please visit our floral store.