Joseph Freitas

Joseph G. Freitas, formally of Willingboro and beloved husband of the late Margot Freitas died Tuesday October 25. Mr. Freitas was an accomplished abstract artist who exhibited in numerous museums, galleries and art shows throughout the Northeastern region of the United States as well as in Europe. During World War II Mr. Freitas was stationed in England and attached to the 99th Norwegian American Infantry Battalion which took part in the invasion of Europe at Normandy (D-Day) and the Battle of the Bulge. After the war Mr. Freitas studied art at the Swain School of Design in New England and upon graduation took a position with the department of defense as an artist for the Joint Chief of Staff in Washington DC. During Mr. Freitas 20 year military career he was stationed in Salzburg Austria, Naples Italy, Copenhagen Denmark and Washington DC. During the years of 1952 to 1964 while residing in Europe Mr. Freitas studied painting under Professor Alexandro De Fasio in Naples Italy and American Modern Artist Sam Kaner in Copenhagen Denmark. Upon Mr. Freitas retirement from government service in 1965 he continued to paint and practice commercial art in the Philadelphia region where he helped develop advertising brands for many corporations in and around Philadelphia. Mr Freitas art work is in many private and corporate collections both here in the United States as well as in Europe. In 1951 while stationed in Salzburg Austria Mr. Freitas found the love of his life and married Margot Rihl of Radstadt Austria, over the next 50 years the couple lived and grew a family living in places like Salzburg Austria, Washington DC, New Bedford MA, Barstow CA, Naples Italy, Copenhagen Denmark, Alexandria VA and finally Willingboro NJ. Mr. Freitas is survived by two sons Gerhart (Gary) of Ambler PA, Dale (wife Diane) of Burlington NJ and daughter Audrey Merrill (Husband Morgan) of Westhampton NJ. He is also survived by six grandchildren Johnathan, Andrew, Margot, Stephen, Michael and Mason; one brother John Freitas of Danbury Ct and three Sisters Philomenia Arruda of Dartmouth MA, Agnes Rue of Acushnet MA and Sally Gouveia of San Diego CA. Joseph’s wife Margot of 50 years died in 2002. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:30AM at the Sacred Heart Church, High Street and Bartram Ave., Mount Holly. Interment will be private. Friends are invited to visit with the family Thursday from 7-9PM at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mount Holly and Friday from 10-10:30AM at the Church. Contributions in his memory may be made to either Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Dr., Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053 or to The Masonic Home, 902 Jacksonville Rd., Burlington, NJ 08016.

Joseph Freitas

April 5, 1923 - October 25, 2011