Philip Freed

Philip Freed, age 88, of Laredo, TX, passed away in the comfort of his home on January 7, 2015. Born on July 24, 1926 in Laredo, TX, he is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Phyllis; son Jack and his wife Paula, son Gerald and his wife Jan, and son Todd Freed; grandchildren Daniel, Chelsea, Stephanie, and David Freed; sister-in-law Ellen Freed and her son Loren; and cousins Selma Avigael and Clarice Seeman. He was predeceased by his brother Stanley Freed. Raised in Laredo, TX, by Jack and Lena Freed, Philip graduated from Martin High School and attended the University of Texas at Austin until the sudden death of his father. With characteristic selflessness Philip responded to his family's needs by returning home to run Modern Furniture, the business founded in 1927 by his father. In the fall of 1949 he met Phyllis Davidson and fell hard and fast in love. After a whirlwind courtship he persuaded her to be his wife. They married on January 29, 1950, in San Antonio but shared their beautiful and rich life together entirely in Laredo. He loved his hometown and was involved in the Optimist Club, Laredo Jaycees, and Chamber of Commerce. He served on the board of the Laredo Philharmonic and was a dedicated officer and board member of Congregation Agudas Achim. The Synagogue considered him a true pillar of its community for many decades and he found great joy in his responsibilities. Philip was passionately interested in politics, history, and current events. He not only subscribed to four different city newspapers, he also actually read them each night after a hard day's work. As a student of life he was resilient through the good times and bad, always focusing on his family's well-being. The closing of Modern Furniture and a later venture, Webco Furniture, opened a new door to a business development position at Laredo National Bank. He reinvented himself yet a third time by earning a real estate license and joining Swisher Martin Realty at the ripe young age of 72. Throughout each challenging experience Philip retained his dry sense of humor, cheerfulness, and optimism. He was a kind and gentle family man, beloved by all who knew him. He never had a bad word for his fellow man; his fellow man has nothing but good words regarding him. The family will receive condolences on Friday morning the 9th of January 2015 from 10 a.m. until 12 noon at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, TX 78041 with a funeral service commencing at 11 a.m. Procession will depart to the Jewish Rest Section at the Laredo City Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation Agudas Achim or a charity of your choice in memory of Philip A. Freed. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, TX 78041, 9563.722.8850