Robert Andrew Freeman, a Newburgh Resident, Dies at 82

Robert Andrew Freeman was born in the City of Newburgh, NY on September 21, 1934 to Clarissa Freeman (predeceased) and Anthony Angel (predeceased). Robert departed this life March 28, 2017.

Robert is survived by his loving wife Christine Freeman of Newburgh, NY, his sisters Judy Freeman of Oakland CA, Elaine Andrews (Andy) of Oakland CA., Melody Angel, and Joy Angel of Albany NY, brothers Happy Angel and Santo Angel of Albany NY, children including: Robert Freeman Jr and his wife Heather, David Nelson Jr. (Kathleen), Arlene Copeland (Nathan), Paschal Nelson (Keri), Larry Nelson (Denise), Kenneth Nelson and Gerald Nelson, grandchildren Saiyd Copeland (Angela) Leah Horton (Bill), Dr. Zayn Copeland, Shanonda Star, Chantee Nelson, Gerald Nelson Jr., Raquel Nelson, Danielle Nelson Michelle Nelson, Deja, Hartman, Desman Hartman, Damon Nelson, Nikki Nelson, Isaiah Nelson and Lindsay Freeman; godson Jay Rippling; and a host of nieces, nephews.

Robert attended and graduated from the Newburgh Public School system and went on to have a long and successful career in the military. Robert enlisted in the United State Marine Corp from October 28, 1952 to November 3, 1954 and served in the Korean War. During that period Robert was awarded the National Service Defense Medal, the Korean Service Medal and the U.N. Service Medal. After he was honorably discharged, he enlisted in the United States Army National Guard with the 1st Battalion 156th Field Artillery, where he was promoted to Sergeant. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal and retired in 1995 with an honorable discharged after 20 years of service. He was also the recipient of the Humanitarian Medal of Honor from the state of New York.

Robert, affectionately known as “Bob” was employed at Tarkett and GAF until he retired in 1995. In his spare time, Bob enjoyed playing poker, fishing, playing his guitar, tinkering in his garage, recording music on his reel-to-reel tape recorder, marching in military parades and attending military functions and Marine Corp Balls. Bob also enjoyed traveling with his loving wife on their annual trip to South Carolina each fall.

Visitation will be held from 11 am – 12 pm on Monday, April 3 at Holy Trinity Church, 44 Chambers St., Newburgh, with a service at 12 pm. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Orange County Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Goshen, NY.