Ronald Freeze

Exeter- Ronald Freeze was born December 7, 1933 in Seattle Washington, starting the family as the eldest son of the late Leigh and Nell (Herrett) Freeze. He was followed by Larry (deceased), Virginia (Doll), Kenneth, and Kathleen (Weibe). Ron spent his childhood in Seattle with friends-for-life Gordie Andersen and Ron Anderson. Ronald was torn between farming and flight, but after graduating from Highline High School and starting college he followed his dream to fly and joined the US Air Force. As a young pilot sent to New Hampshire in 1956, Ron met a beautiful nurse who would become his lifelong partner and soulmate. He and Ann married in 1958, and soon welcomed children Peter, Elizabeth and Jeanne. Stationed in Wyoming, Ron was happiest riding the range at a friend’s ranch and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wyoming. Always helping and protecting others, Ron served his country at war in Vietnam and was stationed all over the United States and Germany, earning the honor of a Bronze Star. He retired from the Air Force after 22 years and had a second career with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Ron’s life embodied his motto “Perseverance and Positive Thinking”, which he instilled in his children and grandchildren. His joy was being next to Ann, making memories with his family, being out in the sun golfing, gardening and caring for homes in Rye and Mirror Lake, NH. Ron was an active member of the Rye Congregational Church and sang in the choir, was a dynamic part of the Barbershop Chorus, worked diligently for the Mirror Lake Protective Association, and volunteered for IMEC sending refurbished medical equipment and supplies to communities and countries in need. Ron loved this life and was dedicated to his beloved wife, his family, and his church. Ronald Freeze, surrounded by his loving family, passed away on Tuesday morning September 19, 2023 after a heroic fight with a lengthy illness. It was a beautiful day for flying; not a cloud in the clear blue sky. He leaves Ann, his wife of 66 years, daughters Beth Gallagher & Jeanne Freeze both of Stratham, and their spouses Brian Gallagher and Jeremy Riecks, and his granddaughters Kaly & Weyni Gallagher heartbroken at his loss. Ron was predeceased by his son Peter Freeze. All services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ronald’s name may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the Mirror Lake Protective Association (P.O. Box 311, Mirror Lake, NH 03853), and Crossroads House of Portsmouth NH.

Ronald Freeze

December 7, 1933 - September 19, 2023