John Mark Free

John graduated high school from Derry area High School in Derry, Pennsylvania and received his Bachelors of Science Arts degree from Suffield University.

He worked as a roofer with his brother Joe and also for his grandfather’s roofing company in Pennsylvania . He also worked in Florida during the aftermath of hurricane Andrew. John traveled to Thailand in 1999 to work with the Family Learning Center as the physical education teacher and then worked at Samakkhi Witthayakhom School in Chiang Rai Thailand as a science teacher. Upon returning to Florida in 2008 he worked as a project manager for Gustafson Roofing.

John had several passions in his life. One was his tropical fish and no matter where he lived - He always had a beautiful fish tank. Another passion was sports. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Manchester United fan. He helped begin the first ever flag football league of Thailand in conjunction with his nephew, Zac and his student Boon. That league continues today. His favorite pastime, though, was Ultimate Frisbee. He started playing in Chiang Rai Thailand every Saturday with all of his students, his nieces and nephews. The school in Thailand continues to play a weekly Ultimate game to this day. When he returned to Florida. He played on the Pompano Frisbee League and won his first championship with them in 2011. And also 2023 and 2024.

John is survived by his sisters, Vickie Franciscus , and Sondra Lehman, his brother Joe Free and his stepbrother Mark Pickford , his brother-in-laws Chris, Wayne and Kenneth and sister-in-law Dawn. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Zachary, Elya, Katherine,Landon, Melissa and Jo Franciscus . As well as Benjamin, Katrina Lehman , Joey and Jacob Free and Mathew, Marissa, Marli and Malia Pickford. Also his Aunt Louella Free and Aunt Kay Sofranko.

He is Predeceased by his parents John and Stephanie Free and his brother, Timothy J Free. He was a much beloved brother, nephew and Uncle. Often known as the Gentle Giant, He will always be remembered for his kind heart.

Celebration of life service to be held at Tradewinds Park August 17,2024 at 10 am.