John B. Freitas Sr., age 77, of Swansea, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2014 in Charlton Memorial Hospital. Born in Swansea, a son of the late Benjamin and Mary (Almeida) Freitas, he was a lifelong area resident.
In his youth he was a professional boxer and was crowned New England light heavy weight champion in 1960. He owned and operated Freitas Garage in Swansea, where he did all phases of mechanic work for over forty years.
He is survived by one son: John B. Freitas Jr. of Swansea, significant other: June-Anne Proctor of Swansea, four sisters: Gertrude Lopes of Providence, Edna Barboza of Swansea, Julia Stockton of MD, Nancy Freitas of GA, one brother: Benjamin Freitas of NY and several nieces and nephews. He was brother of the late Mary Laughlin, Antoinette Richardson, Frank, Alvin and Peter Freitas.
His Funeral will be held Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 8:00AM from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at BIRCHCREST, 189 Gardner’s Neck Road, Swansea followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:00AM in St. Dominic’s Church, 1277 G.A.R. Highway, Swansea. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday from 4:00PM to 7:00PM. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River.
