Keith F. Freeberg

FREEBERG, Rev. Keith F. Jr.Age 60, of College Ave., Elmira, NY, passed away peacefully at home on April 14, 2008, with his loving wife, Judy Seal Snyder, by his side.He was the son of the late Keith F. and Vivian Walston Freeberg Sr. His survivors include the following:daughters, Tammy Freeberg (Todd Ryder) of Hamden, CT, and Mandy Freeberg of Rochester, NY; son, Joshua Freeberg of Buffalo, NY; grandson, Sam Freeberg Ryder of Hamden, CT; stepsons, Jacob and Andrew Snyder of Elmira, NY; stepmother, Ruth Freeberg, and sister, Pamela Herndon, both of Jacksonville, FL, along with nieces and a nephew.Keith was a dedicated employee of the Eastman Kodak Co. in Rochester, NY, and retired after 33 years in August 2006.Working as a Quality Engineer, he had a major influence on new digital products that entered the market.During his lifetime, Keith was a passionate advocate of volunteerism and public service.He had a major impact on expanding the vision and scope of his favorite hobby, amateur radio (N2BEL), into public service, the community and schools.A two-time president and vice president of the Rochester Area Radio Association (RARA), some of his many accomplishments included developing the model for involved amateur radio operators as field support for the American Diabetes Association Tour De Cure in Rochester and similarly supporting other service and charitable events (MS Bike Event and more).Keith participated in youth Explorer Programs and was instrumental in bringing a program called Radio Coaches to Rochester City area schools.In addition, he served as an Associate Director of the Monroe County Radio Amateur Communication Services (RACES) and advocated for the utilization of amateur radio communications during civil emergencies, participating in many emergency preparedness drills.On April 13, he was recognized for his long-term contribution to amateur radio and was awarded the 2008 Atlantic Division Grand Ole Ham Award.To recognize a lifetime of commitment to educating and motivating others in the field of amateur radio, a new award, The Keith F. Freeberg Jr. Atlantic Division Educator of the Year Award, has been created in his honor.A man of varied interests, Mr. Freeberg was a lifetime member of the Lily Dale Assembly and spent many summers at his beloved Lily Dale, NY.Rev. Freeberg was a well-known spiritual teacher, with a hands-on healing ministry.He taught various subjects, most recently the art of Native American drum-making and sacred drumming; and, as a Certified Hypnotherapist he practiced and taught hypnotherapy for over 30 years.Family and friends are invited to attend a Sunset Service in celebration of Keiths life on Friday, April 18, 2008, at 7:00 PM at The Church of Infinite Spirit, 251 Schuyler Ave., Elmira, NY, with Rev. Sharon Hairston officiating.A second celebration will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 1:00 PM at the Rochester Plaza Hotel (formerly Crowne Plaza), 70 State Street, Rochester, NY, where the Rev. Aloma Cason of The Church of Divine Inspiration will be officiating.Memorial donations in the name of Rev. Keith F. Freeberg Jr. may be directed to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 East Corning Rd., Corning, NY, 14830 or to the RARA Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box #93333, Rochester, NY, 14692.