John Carl Freno, 75, of Hillsdale, died Friday, September 20, 2013 at his home. Born, November 20, 1937 in Gipsy, Montgomery Township, he was the son of the late Andrew and Anna (Goydich) Freno. He married the former Mary E. Cassidy on March 11, 1966, a marital bond that lasted 47 years.

John was a graduate of the former Montgomery Township High School. He was a coal miner, working for Barnes & Tucker and Canterbury Coal companies. Following his retirement from coal mining, he worked for S&S Paving, Glen Campbell and drove a transportation van for the Tri-County Transportation Company.

John was a member of the Montgomery Township Rod & Gun club. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman for many years. He played for the Gipsy Giants, Arcadia A’s and Big Run baseball teams till the age of 40. He enjoyed being with his family and grandchildren.

He had attended services at the Kinport Assembly of God Church.

John is survived by his wife Mary; his children: Jacque Wright (Ronald) of Louisiana, Timothy Babco (Jami) of Louisiana, Terri Neale (Dave) of Punxsutawney and Tammy Lucas (Edward) of Indiana. The following siblings also survive him: Christine Kazanowski, of Michigan, Andrew Freno Jr. (Nancy) of Glen Campbell, Jennie Zimniski of Michigan, Robert Freno (Lynn) of Burnside, Anna Mae Bailey of Ohio, and Betty Lou Mattis (Tom) of Arcadia. He is also survived by sister-in-law Helen Knapik (Albert) of Monte Verde, Florida. He is survived by 16 grandchildren: Chane Lundburg, Ashley Cooper (Devon), Nick Wright, Ashlee Wright, Carmen Conner (Brad), Joshua Hopkins (Jill), DJ Hopkins, Jason Neale, Mark Neale, Skye Neale, Jaysa Neale, Timmy Babco, Caitlin Babco, Paige Lucas, John Michael Lucas, and McKenzie Lucas. His great-grandchildren, Jianna and Jemma Hopkins, LaighLa and Laikan Hopkins also survive him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Edna Fanco and Dorothy Freno.

A memorial service will be held at the Kinport Assembly of God on Monday, September 23, 2013 at 11 AM. Friends may arrive at 10:30 AM to visit with his family. Pastor Chris Massey will officiate. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment will be private and held at a later date. The family is being served by the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Clymer. Online condolences may be left at www.rbfh.net.

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