Conesus Lake: Robert William Freudigman, age 84, of Livonia, NY, took his final flight west in the arms of his family on June 4, 2017 after a sudden illness. He was the sweetheart and soulmate of Margaret (Rombaut) Freudigman for more than 61 years; dearly loved father to Jean Marie (Sidney) Geertz and Nancy Lyn (Marcus) Leinders; cherished Morfar to his many beloved grandchildren; and devoted brother to June (Bob) Bartels. He was predeceased by his daughter, Cynthia Ann, and his son, Steven Robert.
Bob was born on March 17, 1933 in Rochester, NY to parents William and Josephine Freudigman. At age fourteen, Bob became a lineboy for Page Airways where he learned to fly, earning himself the nickname “Hotdog.” After serving his country in the Korean War, he went on to fly for Mohawk Airlines, experiencing an illustrious commercial aviation career spanning 36 years during which time he became the 1963 recipient of the Daedalion Civilian Airmanship Award in recognition of his outstanding ability, bravery, and heroism. His passion for aviation inspired generations of his family members to take to the skies. He owned and operated Leroy Airport for years, eventually becoming co-owner of the small airfield in Lakeville where he loved spending time. He could often be spotted flying his Aeronca with Margaret in the “tumbling sun-split clouds” above Conesus Lake “wheeling, soaring, and swinging high in the sunlit silence.”
A Commemoration Honoring Bob will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 1, at Hanna’s Acres Airport, 5607 Pebble Beach Road, Lakeville, NY (corner of West Lake Rd. & Pebble Beach Rd. near the water tower). Arrangements entrusted to the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., Livonia-Honeoye.
www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Margaret and Family,
Michael and I were neighbors on East Lake Road for many years. We so enjoyed our interactions with Bob and Margaret when they walked. After we moved I would meet them in Wegmans on occasion and catch-up on news. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, Margaret, and family members. Please accept our condolences. God Bless!
Margaret and family,
Doug and I have such fond memories of Bob and his Love for his Wife,Children,Grandchildren,and extended Family and Friends.He loved the outdoors to the point of still cleaning the gutters(much against Margarets wishes).The long walks with Margaret and oh yes flying.Bob’s flying may have Been his second love after Margaret and Family. Our wish is remembering Bob for doing what he liked best being him self.
Nancy,
I am so very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I always admired watching him and your mom walking hand and hand down the road together. You are in my thoughts and my prayers. Hugs and love. Wendy Monroe
Bobs son Steven and I started working for Allegheny Airlines as ramp agents on the same day, back in July of 1977. It was great knowing both of them over the years. I was also there when Bob and Steven took Bob’s retirement flight, with his son Steven as his First Officer. It was a proud moment for both. Bob will be missed by all who knew him.
Margaret and Family,
So sorry for your great loss of Robert. He is flying among the clouds now watching over his loved ones.May your many special memories bring you comfort at this time.
We will always remember you walking hand in hand together on East Lake Rd. God Bless!