Obituary of Charles G. Freay

Charles Grant "Chuck" Freay, 85, formerly of West Ellicott, died Saturday July 1, 2023, in Heritage Village Rehab and Skilled Nursing. He was born July 13, 1937, in Jamestown, a son of the late Grant and Helen Hurley Freay. He was a 1955 graduate of Southwestern Central School and later attended Jamestown Community College and Cleveland State University. Chuck joined the US Air Force, became a turbine engine specialist, and was assigned to Strategic Air Command, 19th Heavy Bomber Wing, Homestead Air Force Base, Florida. Following discharge from the service, he was employed by Hopes Windows, Jamestown, Parker Aircraft Company, Los Angeles, CA, MCC/TRW Bearings, Jamestown and GE Aircraft Engines, Cincinnati, OH. He was also a private pilot for many years with commercial and instructor ratings. Charles was a member of Lakewood United Methodist Church, Celoron Moose Lodge, Herman Kent Post 777 American Legion and Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. Charles served as a member of the board of appeals for the villages of Lakewood and Celoron. Chuck took special pride in his wife of 66 years and was devoted to his two sons and grandchildren. He and his wife enjoyed traveling to Italy, Japan, Barbados, Hawaii, Alaska and many cruises. Surviving is his wife Onnolee Lucile Anderson Freay, whom he married March 23, 1957; two sons Charles Freay, Jr. of Toms River, NJ, and Matthew Freay of West Ellicott; six grandchildren Danielle and Kyle of Cincinnati, OH and Sydney, Gabby, Zach and Tony of Toms River, NJ and three siblings Francis O'Brien of Jamestown, Shirley Stockwell of Kennedy and Katherine Freay of Portland, OR. The funeral will be held at 1 pm Thursday in the Lind Funeral Home where friends will be received for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 6400 Sheridan Dr #320, Buffalo, NY 14221 or Audubon Community Nature Center, 1600 Riverside Rd, Jamestown, NY 14701. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.