His family moved to Mansfield, Ohio, when he was a child, where he attended St. Peter’s Schools. After leaving high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II on his 18th birthday in 1945. He served for 2 years and was transported from San Francisco to Guam and served as a third-class petty officer, in charge of operating the base post office. He was discharged in 1947, at which time he attended Kent State University.
Shortly after returning to Mansfield, he rode on the city bus to visit his sister, Eva. When he exited the bus on the corner of Glessner Avenue and Lind Avenue, he saw an attractive young woman mowing the lawn across the street and struck up a conversation. He didn’t know it at the time, but he had met the love of his life, Beverly Wentz. They were married a short 4 months later on September 10, 1949.
He was employed by Allstate Insurance Company for 35 years and received many awards throughout his career. He retired in 1989.
He was a member of Amvets Post #26, American Legion Post #16, The Mansfield Liederkrantz, Sons of Herman, and a life member of the VFW Post 3494 in Mansfield.
Tony had wonderful friends and golfing buddies. He delighted in their comradeship and appreciated every one of them. He spent what his wife, Bev, might have considered, more than his fair share of time at the golf course.
He was a hard worker and loved to help his family and friends on every type of project imaginable, where he was able to utilize the many skills he honed over the years. He took particular interest in his daughter, Marsha and her husband, Joe’s farm, building and repairing barns, mowing acres of lawn, cleaning up fallen trees and the like on a regular basis. He was never happier or felt more satisfied than when he could lend a helping hand to his family and friends.
He and his older brother and best friend, Audy, had numerous stories about antics and mishaps that would keep everyone in tears of laughter. Family members could listen to those tales over and over, through the years without ever growing tired of them.
More recently he had made, and lost, many friends at the Waterford, where he lived for the past 12 years.
He and his family are extremely grateful for the friendships and love he fostered there. The residents, staff and nurses have been stellar in their respectful nurturing through the process of his passing. He truly loved his friends and without question, was well loved in return.
The family would also like to recognize and give special thanks to Southern Care Hospice for stepping in like angels to help in the time of need.
Tony is survived by his children, Marsha Farrell of Lexington, OH, Greg (Janie) Freiheit of Mansfield, OH, Tom (Diane) Freiheit of Burlington, VT, and Ed Freiheit of Mansfield, OH; his so loved grandchildren, Patrick (Katie) Farrell, Andy (Becca) Freiheit, Sara (Steve) Grater, Natalie (Jonas Western) Freiheit, Collin Freiheit, and Regan Freiheit. He attended all of their events that he was able to and was their most devoted supporter. He also had 3 great-grandchildren, Brady and Griffin Grater and Ari “AJ” Freiheit.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Josef Freiheit; beloved mother-in-law, Linnie Wentz; the love of his life and wife, Beverly; daughter, Lorraine; son-in-law, Joe Farrell; brothers, Nick, Joe, and Adam “Audy”; sisters, Eva, Ann. and Katie, Adam’s wife Ruby, Katie’s husband Fred Brumfield, Ann’s husband Jim Boreman; and brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Pearl Wentz.
On the morning of August 26, 2017, Tony’s life changed dramatically and painfully when he lost his cherished Beverly. Although he made the most of his remaining years, his prayers were answered when he reunited with her in the predawn hours of Friday, August 15, 2025.
Tony will be greatly missed and remembered fondly by all who knew and loved him. He had a good life.
Family and friends may visit from 4:00-6:00 pm on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield, 98 S. Diamond St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 12:00 pm at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 104 West First Street. Tony will be laid to rest in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery.
