With deep sadness, we share that our dad, John Denis Freel, passed away on May 20th after a sudden and aggressive cancer diagnosis. Although our family is spread across the globe, we are deeply grateful that his wife and children were at his side as he passed. It was a precious time filled with love, memories, and quiet goodbyes.

Denis was born in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada on October 7, 1944 to John Henry Freel and Eileen (nee Smith) joining big sister Pat on the family farm on land which was gifted to his ancestors from King George. Denis loved school, especially science, and broke the family tradition of farming by being the first to leave home and graduate from Queens University with a degree in Chemical Engineering and from McMaster University with a Master of Engineering.  He was working for ICI in Montreal when he met his beautiful bride, Joyce Anne Sherrill Alderson. His work moved them from Toronto to England for a time, and included a stop in Delaware before settling down in Warren, NJ, where he eventually left corporate life to start his own company. 

Despite his busy career, family and faith always came first for Denis. He supported each of his children in their interests and scholastic endeavors. He served faithfully in numerous callings as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His passion for genealogy was well known and he assisted anyone who asked for help in doing family history and temple work. 

His strength, humor, and love meant the world to us, and we already miss him more than words can express.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 46 years, Sherrill Freel; his children: Sarah, John David (Trisha), Meghan (Chris) and Luke (Tyler); and beloved grandchildren Kaitlyn, John Matthew, Aidan, and Noah. He is also survived by his sister Pat (Fred Connolly). He was preceded in death by his parents John Henry Freel and Eileen Freel (nee Smith).

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 23rd, from 3-6 PM at Galloway & Crane Funeral Home (101 S Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ).

The funeral will take place on Saturday, May 24th at 10 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (35 Lamington Rd, Branchburg, NJ). Burial will follow at Somerset Hills Memorial Park (95 Mt Airy Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ).

Thank you to everyone who has reached out with kindness and support.