Stuart Wayne Freilich

Stuart W. Freilich, 77, of North Palm Beach, Florida and Nantucket, entered into rest on November 18, 2025. Beloved husband of Phyllis (Alpert) Freilich of almost 54 years. He is survived by his loving family – children Jaime and David Eisenberg and Drew and Joy Freilich, grandchildren Chloe, Chase, Madison and Isabelle, and grand-dogs Tucker and Cash. Stuart was born in New York and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was a graduate of Worcester Academy and Babson College.

Driven by a profound commitment to helping others, Stuart's philanthropy was often anonymous. For over two decades, he privately sponsored Thanksgiving dinners for the elderly and numerous shelters across central Massachusetts. His ardent support for the armed forces led him to arrange for supplies to be shipped to active service members abroad and to quietly support local veterans’ shelters and programs helping veterans returning home. He felt strongly that the focus should always remain on those in need, not on those giving. He said, “Being known isn’t important, but getting the job done is.”

Stuart was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Metal Corporation. After taking over the company, he turned a scrap metal business into an internationally known processor of high temperature alloys for aerospace, defense, petrochemical and medical industries. At its peak, Universal Metal was the largest exporter of titanium scrap in the United States. He was sought out as a leader in his industry, frequently speaking at national and international meetings on the present market trends and future outlook of the industry. His opinions were widely quoted in newspapers and trade journals around the world. He was a consultant to Defense National Stockpile Center of the United States. Universal Metal Corporation was a finalist for Small Business Exporter of the Year Award given by the Export- Import Bank of the United States whose mission is to finance United States exports that help the private sector create and sustain American jobs.

More than his professional achievements, Stuart cherished his roles as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved his years spent on Nantucket and Beacon Hill, Massachusetts, and treasured decades-long friendships and especially those formed on Nantucket. He took special pride in guiding his children, imparting invaluable life skills and lessons. He cherished returning to Beacon Hill each spring and fall to walk the very same streets where he first met his beloved wife.

Services for Stuart will be held at the Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 1668 Beacon Street, Brookline on Monday, November 24, at 12:30 pm. Burial to follow at Hebrew Volin Cemetery, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury. Memorial observance to follow at the Pollock family home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to honor his dedication to helping others may be directed to Nourish Nantucket (https://nourishnantucket.org/donate/)