Rest in Peace dear John. You were a great teacher and writer. The New School is such a tremendously special place. You made it all the more extraordinary. 

If there is anyway to be in touch with family, I would love to know.

Just saw John’s obituary and was saddened. He was my first real boyfriend and we spent several years together in college and after. Elizabeth, I’m sure you’re missing him. He was a loving big brother who loved you very much. May peace surround you. 
Best,
Lisa

As a faculty member at Parsons I had the happy opportunity to take audit summer courses at the New School. I took John's Horror of the Seventies class which sounded awesome and it was! in order to face my fears and curiosity about horror cinema. I immediately connected to his love of and vast knowledge of genre films especially musical (Lubitsch!) and all facets of horror, particularly its relationship to grief. His knowledge, thorough research and passion for the subject allowed me to trust that I could watch films that I feared to see, like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Last House On The Left which eventually became some of my favorite movies. I didn't have to write papers for class but began a Horror blog to extend my thoughts and discussions from class. Some of us would hang around afterward to walk to the subway with John and carry on our conversation.  Summerschool with John was fun! He was so sweet, I owe my love and work around horror to him and I will treat the heavy grief of his passing by watching some horror (and maybe Vertigo, too!)

Dear cousin Johny; It has taken me a while to write to you, but I finally got the solitude and strength needed to say good bye. 

I remember as a child your visits to the DR. How you spoke to me all the time, even though you knew my very limited knowledge of the English language, and I thought it was the sweetest thing you were trying to communicate with me. 

Your passion for the movie industry is undeniable, it is what made you “you”.  But let’s not forget your wicked sense of humor, your wit, your bright mind and smile.  I will forever remember you as the warm, loving, thoughtful cousin that you were. You will be missed. 

May you be at peace wherever you are. 

Love you 
Kaisa PA-Z


I went to St. John Fisher College (University) in Rochester, NY in the early 80s.  John and I became good friends as we both loved film, especially horror, sci-fi, and the fantastic.  He was funny, warm, and he welcomed me to his home is NYC twice.  His late parents were wonderful as well.  To his sister, I extend my heartfelt condolences to you.  Rest in peace John and thanks for all the good times we shared.
Bill Keeley, class of 1983

John was a good man -- a supportive colleague, a fount of knowledge, just a lovely guy. He hired me at the New School, and was an extraordinarily valuable resource over the years -- contending with students, negotiating the bureaucracy, keeping a level head, never losing sight of the thing that drove him, his love of movies, and how eager he was for all of us to share that with our students. I will miss him.

You were an inspiration to us all. Not only your passion for film was contagious, but you were also really kind to people, you cared. You enthusiastically gave your time , your attention to us students. I remember you staying more than an hour with me explaining the film program that inspired me to stay in the US. You spread wonder around, and we will keep that, we will keep that piece of you in us. May you rest in peace, dear.

John was one of a kind who taught and inspired me and countless others the value of the cinematic experience. May his passion and drive for filmmaking and the linguistics of cinema continue to live through us all. He was such a character of Dominican descent who grew up in the Bronx, influenced by horror from a Catholic perspective, and was close to taking his vows as a priest before doing film. It was never a dull moment with John, he always had a perspective on everything. He gave so much to his students, his time, his wisdom of film, his friendship. RIP John Freitas. You left us too soon. May the cinema gods take good care of you in the heavens.

John's office was two doors down from mine, so I often ran into his students looking for him, waiting for him to chat about film and about their own lives.  He was more than a cinephile, more than a gifted teacher and cheerful colleague, he was a confidant who offered  students fellowship and shared love for the movies.  He was a kind of cine-therapist who  helped young people  find their way with his guidance, humor, support, and always open door.  I admired him for all he knew and all he gave to our students.  His departure from Media Studies was a foreshadowing of the grief we all share now at his final passing.   Lights, camera, action John, now and forever.

John interviewed me at the New School in 2002 for my very first teaching job. His care and mentorship were so pivotal to my success in the classroom. Twenty years later, I am still so grateful for his generosity. He will be missed greatly and his kindness and commitment to creating a meaningful educational experience will always be remembered. 

Film people are like an extended family, and The New School Film Program won't be the same without John, his positive energy, infectious enthusiasm and vast knowledge of cinema. He was much beloved by all, his many students and colleagues alike. He has left the stage but his memory will live on in our collective minds, frame by frame, into the light.

John was a beloved member of the New School Media Studies and Film community for 25 years. He loved movies more than anyone in the world and the students loved him. Both of my children took his film class and - like so many others - adored him.
We mourn the loss of an ebullient colleague, a dear friend, and a true passionate cinephile. John made a lasting impression  on  thousands of lives and made priceless contributions to the love of film.

I cannot imagine a world without John Freitas....
Media Studies will miss you John ... I certainly will
Barry

John was my patient after he had his stroke. He quickly became one of my all-time favorite patients/people. I loved to talk about cinema/ film with him, he always had an answer for me and we enjoyed the same types of films, which is not usually the case. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. The world is a less interesting place without him.  I shall see you on the other side, my friend. Paul M. Kelleher D.O.

OBITUARIO

John Freitas

11 agosto, 1961 – 11 febrero, 2022

D'Elia Funeral Home

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