David H. Freund

North Smithfield – David H. Freund, 56, passed away unexpectedly Monday, May 1, 2017 at home. He was the beloved husband of Elaine (Treidel) Freund. David and Elaine were married 34 years this past December 26.

   Born in Rockford, IL, a son of Howard C. and Patricia A. (Werlein) Freund of Westerville, OH, he had lived in Pomona, CA for 19 years before moving to North Smithfield 17 years ago.

   David was an engineering manager for Sinclair Manufacturing Company, Chartley, MA.

   He was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Cumberland, as well as a member of the New England Raiders Boosters and JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Council).

   Besides his wife and parents, he is survived by his loving children, Annelise Freund of North Smithfield and Steven Freund of West Warwick; one sister, Susan Freund of Westerville, OH; one brother, Mark Freund and his wife, Erin of Yountville, CA; and his in-laws, Kenneth and Irene (Bauman) Treidel of Seaside Park, NJ.

   According to his son, Steven, anyone who knew his father had at least one “Dave Story”. He was a man who had a love of life, family, friends and a good beer. He loved travel and every trip had to be meticulously planned around which breweries he wanted to stop at. As an outdoorsman, he spent many years hiking and camping through all of the state and national parks of the West Coast. An avid explorer, he would never stick to the trails while hiking, preferring his own shortcuts; much to the chagrin of whomever he had in tow. While there were a few injuries and a few bear encounters, he would brag that he’d never lost anyone. As a skilled craftsman, he was often called upon by my mother to renovate portions of the house; he used these projects as an excuse to buy tools as “gifts” for my mother, an excuse that she lovingly indulged. A lover of cars, he had accrued a large collection of cars, two for each cheek, with a spare – all in addition to a half constructed hot rod affectionately referred to as an “automotive sculpture”. He embodied strength and wisdom, and while usually a quiet presence, he would quickly become the life of any party. He was a loving father and a dedicated husband. He was the kind of man anyone should strive to be, and he will be sorely missed.

   His Requiem Eucharist will be held Saturday, May 6 at 10 A.M. in Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 120 Nate Whipple Highway, Cumberland. Burial will be in Slatersville Cemetery, North Smithfield.

   Relatives and friends are invited and may call at Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln, Friday 5-8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions in David’s memory to Sierra Club of RI, 118 Gano Street, Providence, RI 02906, Habitat for Humanity of RI, 1155 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02909, or Alzheimer’s Association, RI Chapter, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906 would be appreciated. For Directions and Guest Book, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com.