Long-time Valley resident, George William Freitas, died unexpectedly in his home on Sunday, March 18, 2018.  He was born November 30, 1926, in Siskiyou County, CA, to William and Mary Freitas, after his sister Irene, followed by brothers Theodore and Leslie, all deceased.
   George is preceded in death by his first wife, Hildie Graf, mother of their two sons, Robert (Teresa) of Tucson, AZ, and Richard (Elizabeth) of San Diego, CA.  He married his second wife, Elsie Enos, and they lived in Manteca, CA. George is also predeceased by his long-time partner of 30+ years, Karen Perey.  In special acknowledgment, Karen’s daughter Nora and her husband John Machado were particularly helpful and supportive to George.
   George had various careers and interests.  He served in the Army in Germany and was a member of the VFW 1051 in Ripon, CA.  He worked at the Sharpe Army Depot in Lathrop, and later at the Tracy Defense Depot in Tracy, from which he retired in 1984.  He then helped his brother Les for many years with Freitas Electric in Banta, CA.  He purchased a small property in Ripon and enjoyed living there on his almond orchard.
   George was always mechanically inclined, there wasn’t much he couldn’t fix.  He collected so many projects to work on, much to the chagrin of the women in his life.  He loved to repair and rebuild old radios, TVs, classic juke boxes, old engines, tractors, and their various attachments.  He loved his Oakland A’s and Raiders, going fishing, hanging out with his VFW buddies and spending time with family, friends, and a Bud Light.  George excelled at living within his means, and outsmarting fish, gophers, and squirrels.  He always enjoyed acknowledging old friends who greeted him in stores, shops, and restaurants around town.  He was as tough as nails, but so tickled when it was noted in the newspaper that he had bowled a high series game, this just a few months after having a cancerous lung removed when he was 83. 
   Although he leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends, he considered himself lucky to have lived such a long, interesting and very rewarding life.  George is deeply loved, and sorely missed by all.
   Fry Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Freitas’ families. Vistation will be held at Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 S. Central Ave., on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at  9:00 a.m. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Tracy Public Cemetery. For condolences and special messages to the family, visit www.frymemorialchapel.com

Ripon
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Thursday, April 5, 2018