Gerald T. Freeman, Sr. 1939 - 2016DEANSBORO - Gerald T. Freeman, Sr., 77, devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2016, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, with his cherished and loving family by his side.He was born on October 15, 1939, in Utica, the son of the late Walter and Helen Wnuk Freeman, and was a 1958 graduate of Utica Free Academy.On January 13, 1962, Jerry and the former Carole A. Brower were united in marriage, sharing a loving union of nearly 55 years.He started his career in 1958 with the New York State Department of Transportation and retired in 1995 as an HMS2 after 37 years of service.Jerry loved being outdoors and found peace being with nature. He loved the times spent hunting, fishing and trapping as well as a good round of golf.He is survived by his wife, Carole; two sons and daughters-in-law, U.S. Navy Retired Gerald T. and Karen Freeman, Jr., of Berlin, MD, and Scott T. and Heather Freeman, of Waterville; his daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and Michael Schaaf, of Waterville; his eight grandchildren, Joshua Freeman (Tiffany), Matthew Freeman (Jaime), Ashley VanHatten, Ian Schaaf, Ryan and Joshua Murphy, Chelsea Rose and Logaan Schaaf; and three great-grandchildren, Noah, Lucas and Bella.He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Jacqueline and Anthony Arcuri, of Utica, and many extended family members.Jerry also knew the special friendship of Bruce Shaw, Steve Burrell, Dick Szczebra, Bob Roberts and Jerry LaManque.Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Eugene Freeman; his in-laws, Arthur and Neva Brower; and his very special friends, Doug and Arlene Voss.Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to join Jerry's family as they gather to celebrate his life with a Memorial Mass on Saturday, December 17, at 11:00 at St. Bernard's Church in Waterville, where he was a longtime parishioner.In keeping with Jerry's wishes, there will be no calling hours, however, his family will greet everyone at church following the Mass.His family would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Francis Chabot and his staff for their care and compassion and also the staff on the Gordon Unit of the Lutheran Home, and a special thank you to Jody Scoones for her help and support.In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to either the U.S. Navy Memorial Fund, ( www.navymemorial.org) or the Wounded Warriors Project ( www.woundedwarriorproject.org). Envelopes will be available Saturday at the church.Arrangements are in the care of the Smith Funeral Home, 3022 Oneida St., Sauquoit.To view Jerry's online memorial, please go to www.smith-funeralhome.com.