Theodore Alan Freedman

Theodore A. Freedman of Elizabeth N.J., affectionately known as “Ted” and “Teddy” passed away on November 25, 2023. Ted was born in Newark, New Jersey at Beth Israel Hospital on March 2, 1946 to Rose and Harry Freedman. He lived his early years in Hillside, NJ where he was raised orthodox and enjoyed fellowship at Sinai Congregation. Ted attended Hillside High School and graduated in the June Class of 1964. While attending Hillside High School, Ted served as a manager of both the Wrestling and Track Teams. Ted attended Upsala College as an economics major and graduated with the Class of 1969.

In 1968 while still in college, Ted enlisted in the United States Army Reserve completing basic training at Fort Dix and proudly served in the Armor Division, 78th Maneuver Training Command in Kearny, NJ before his Honorable Discharge in September 1974. He was also a member of the Liberty Young Men’s Association. It is an organization whose original mission was to help and support Jewish families migrating to the United States from Europe.

After college, Ted began his career working for many years in multiple positions at various Logistics companies, including Wheeler Transportation, Usco Distribution Services, Anti Hydro Waterproofing and Alpha Meadows. It all culminated with his ultimate career job at McGraw Hill Companies (later known as SNP Global) where he retired in May 2010 after 32 years of service. The Highlight of his career at McGraw Hill was his handling of Business Week magazine account. He supplemented his knowledge of logistics by enrolling in several courses for logistics at Union County College.

Ted had a reputation of being an all-around nice guy to his fellow neighbors, co-workers, committee members, board trustees and seniors. He was that NICE GUY on the block who seemed to know everything that was happening in his neighborhood and the City of Elizabeth at all times. Ted made it a point to always greet you warmly and to specifically ask about how your family was doing as well. When it came to others, he was very gracious and generous with his time. He volunteered often at the O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center and Steve Sampson Senior Center in Elizabeth, NJ. While putting in his volunteer work, he loved to smile, tell jokes, and laugh out loud.

He loved Travelling, Stamp collecting, Railfanning, Bowling, and Reading any and all magazines.

In retirement from the U.S. Army and Work, he continued to serve on multiple boards and committees. Ted was a longtime member of the Board of Trustees for the Elizabeth Public Library and served part of his time as the President of the Board. For many years, Ted was the hardest working Poll Worker and Committeeman in the City of Elizabeth 4th Ward where his friend Councilman Carlos Cedeno now serves. He also served as the Executive Secretary of the Traffic Club of Newark and served on the Postal Services Periodical Focus Group Committee.

Ted is survived by his two younger brothers Steven Scott Freedman of Hillside, NJ and Michael Irwin Freedman of Roseland, NJ, his nephew Ryan Freedman of Branchburg NJ and a host of cousins and other family members. Ted leaves a legacy of hard work, loyalty, kindness, and generosity. He touched many of us with his consistent kindness and concern. He will be deeply missed.

Special Thanks to Mayor Christian Bollwage of Elizabeth, New Jersey, his long-time neighbor and friend Gloria Leitao, good friend Councilman and Pastor Carlos Cedeno, former neighbor and friend Judge Carl L. Marshall, friend and colleague Del Payne, friend and advisor Karen Stark, and his entire “Elizabeth Public Library Family” for advising, assisting, and comforting Ted in his final days. To the Freedman Family, Ted has privately expressed his love.