Obituary of Robert-Ely-Wright Freeman

Robert Ely Wright Freeman, 88, of Stuart, Fla., passed away peacefully on May 6, 2013, surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held at the Mariner Sands Chapel in Stuart on Saturday, May 18, at 11:30 a.m. Born in Perth Amboy, N.J., to Beatrice Wright and Benjamin Freeman, Bob, as he was known, lived most of his life in Westfield, N.J.; Normandy Beach, N.J., and Stuart. Bob loved his family. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed cooking and was a New York Giants season-ticket holder for 52 years. He also enjoyed traveling and dining in Manhattan. Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia "Ginny" (Henderson); sons, Bruce (wife, Kathy) and Jon Freeman (wife, Jill); daughter Cathy Tomlinson (husband, Jack Kornfeind); seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and brother, Bruce Freeman. He was preceded in death by son-in-law, Joe Tomlinson. He was a loving father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all. Bob attended Princeton in 1943 as part of the naval officers training program, as well as Harvard, and graduated from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, stationed aboard the U.S.S. Mercury, which was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre, and received several commendations. He was very proud of his service to his country. He was president of Couse Manufacturing of Union, N.J., and Roberts Equipment Co. of Piscataway, N.J., and chief executive officer of W & H Systems of Carlstadt, N.J. He was a member and past president of the Echo Lake Country Club and the Winged Foot Cottages Association. He was also a member of the Normandy Beach Yacht Club and the Rotary Club of Union, N.J.