William C. Freeland

On April 28, 2023, William C. Freeland, loving husband, father of four, and grandfather of six, passed away at 79. William passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, after battling a dementia-related illness. Known by many as Bill, he was born in Philadelphia, PA, on April 18, 1944, to Edward and Phoeb (Arrowsmith) Freeland. Bill married Suzanne Kuntz in 1966; the two grew up across the street from each other and later became sweethearts. The two made their home in many locations throughout the United States and England, finally settling in Barnegat, NJ, in 1977. Together they raised their greatest accomplishments, their children James, Lisa, Jennifer, and Eric.Bill had two amazing careers - serving his country in the United States Air Force and serving his community with the Boy Scouts of America. These two careers afforded him the opportunity to touch many lives with his leadership, dedication, and a positive mindset. Bill enlisted in the Air Force in 1964 and served 21 years. He retired in 1985 at the permanent rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He started his career as an Automotive Specialist and became a Squadron Trainer, Flight Supervisor, and Field Recruiter. During his military career, he earned an Associates Degree from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor's Degree from Southern Illinois University. His military service enabled him to serve in many countries throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.  He also received many military decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal - Three Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Force Accommodation Medal - Four Oak Leaf Clusters (one involved saving two lives); Secretary of the Navy Accommodation Medal for service clearing Suez Canal in 1974; U.S. Navy Expeditionary Medal Suez Canal in 1974; Air Force Expeditionary Medal Pueblo Crisis in 1967 Korea; Korean Service Medal 1967-1968; and the National Defense Medal.Upon retiring from the United States Air Force, Bill began his second career as an executive with the Boy Scouts of America, Jersey Shore Council. As an Eagle Scout, Bill held scouting close to his heart, serving as a leader and mentor. For more than 20 years, Bill supervised staff and volunteers, ran summer camps and other programs, fundraised, and recruited youth and adult leaders. When he retired from the council in 2007, he continued as a volunteer at the Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation.  In February 2022, Bill received the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award for more than 70 years of personal and professional service to the Boy Scouts.Beyond scouting, Bill enjoyed serving the community in many ways, including the Southern Ocean County Rotary, Habitat for Humanity, Mariners Lodge #150 Free and Accepted Masons, and Sons of the American Revolution. For those who knew Bill, he was a friend to all, and he would never hesitate to be there for family and friends in their hour of need or to celebrate happy occasions. He was a legendary storyteller, never at a loss for words or sharing details about his adventurous life. Bill enjoyed fishing, camping, country music, tinkering around the house, and cherishing time with his family – most of all, his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne, and their four children; James Freeland, his wife Suzanne, and their son Michael; Lisa Kaszuba, her husband James, and their daughters Kaitlyn, Emily, and Kiera; Jennifer Nicolini, her husband Nicholas, and their children Alexandra and Andrew; Eric Freeland and his husband, Matthew Tosiello. We will miss him dearly but know that his spirit is always with us, and we are grateful that he is at peace.

His family will celebrate a well-lived life on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, with Visitation from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM at the Barnegat Funeral Home, 841 West Bay Avenue, Barnegat, NJ. An Interment ceremony will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.  (www.BarnegatFH.com)

To honor Bill’s legacy, in lieu of flowers, the family requests tribute donations be made to Jersey Shore Council, Boy Scouts of America, 1518 Ridgeway Road, Toms River, NJ 08755.  Please remember to click the “Make a tribute gift” button. https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/341/appeal/6376 (see link below)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William C. Freeland, please visit our floral store.