Thomas Freeman

Thomas (Tommy) Freeman, age 58, departed this life on July 8, 2019. Tommy’s life on this earth was one that few people are blessed to experience. He experienced the love and nurturing of three women that touched his life as his mother. Tommy was born on April 14, 1961 to Marlene Lavenia Freeman Ruth and Tom Ruth, Jr. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Tommy and his sister Zina Shirl were showered with love and care. Unfortunately, Marlene passed away in September of 1966 when Tommy was 5 years old. His second mother, Esther B. Robinson Freeman (Nanny) who along with his grandfather, Gottrell Jack Freeman (Pap Pap), adopted Tommy and Zina in 1967 and they legally became their children as Thomas and Zina Shirl Freeman. In 1971 God called their beloved Nanny home. Tommy’s third mother, Bernice E. Ripley, became their guardian in1972 and along with her husband Bill raised them from the ages of 11 and 10 until adulthood. He did not hesitate to refer to her as his mother, Editha’s mother-in-law and his sons’ grandmother known as Mama Bern. Tommy attended Pittsburgh Public Schools from kindergarten through elementary school. He completed Junior and Senior High in the Shaler Area School System, graduating from Shaler High School in 1979. Tommy played football, liked singing in school talent shows and was a member of the chorus in one of his high school musicals. Tommy joined the United States Marine Corps in 1979 and served his country for 13 years. During his tenure, he was as a Staff Sergeant, Food Service Specialist and Rifleman. He was awarded the following: Rifle Expert Badge, Pistol Expert Badge, Overseas Service Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Certificates of Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal. While in the military, Tommy met and married his beloved wife, Editha. They were married for 37 years and had two sons, Kevin and Bryan. Tommy loved watching movies. His favorite films included action, war, and westerns, which inspired him to join the military. Tommy also enjoyed collecting watches, being a freemason, and gushing about his daughter-in-law Saody. She was the daughter he always wished he had. Because of her, he got to experience his greatest joy of being Pap Pap to his grandchildren. After his military service, Tommy worked as a chef at prestigious restaurants and a winery for numerous years then later became a truck driver in 48 states. Most recently, he attended United Education Institute (UEI) College and completed the Medical Billing and Insurance Coding program. Tommy’s love for learning was inspiring. He would spend countless hours researching about any subject that sparked his interests. He enjoyed speaking with everyone and is remembered for his infectious smile and contagious laughter. He is survived by his wife Editha Freeman; son Kevin E. Freeman (Saody) (Sacramento, CA); son Bryan S. Freeman (Denver, CO); son Wilbert R. Freeman (Albuquerque, NM); grandchildren Kalel and Shiloh; father Tom Ruth, Jr. (Aliquippa, PA); mother and father Bernice and William Ripley (Newark, DE); sister Zina S. Hatcher (Aliquippa, PA); sister DeLayne L. Robinson (Ll’Rae) (Lancaster, PA); brother William K. Ripley (Edgewater Park, NJ); brother Collyn R. Ripley (Newark, DE); uncle James M. Robinson (Danville, CA); uncle G. Ronald Johnson (Williamstown, NJ); uncle George H. Freeman (McKeesport, PA); aunt Ona R. Taylor (McKeesport, PA); and a host of relatives and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his mother Marlene Lavenia Freeman Ruth; grandmother Esther Bernice Robinson Freeman (Nanny); and grandfather Gottrell Jack Freeman (Pap Pap).