Freddie Span Jr., age 93, of Sarasota, Florida, transitioned peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2026, at home. He was born on March 3, 1933, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Venice Jackson (preceded him in death) and Fred Span (preceded him in death), and lived a life marked by service, dedication, hard work, and love for his family.
Freddie graduated from high school and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Penn State University. On August 21, 1981, he married Dianne Span, and together they built a life rooted in commitment, family, and faithfulness.
Freddie began his professional career at St. Mary’s Hospital in Ohio, where he served as Director of Physical Therapy for ten years. He later worked for General Motors before moving to Florida in the 1970s. In Florida, Freddie worked for Manatee County Utilities, where he served as a supervisor for twenty-two and a half years before retiring in 2003. Not one to remain idle, he later returned to work with the Manatee County School Board at Louise R. Johnson Middle School as a custodian, officially retiring in 2005.
Freddie also proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1956. His years of military service reflected the discipline, strength, and sense of duty that remained evident throughout his life.
Freddie was preceded in death by his children, Freddie Span, Armand Span, and Marcus Span; and by his siblings, Betty (Dolan), Gloria, Frankie, Junior. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Dianne Span; his children, Fred III Span (Melissa), Angel Span, Diana Burchett-Thomas (Christopher), Titus Burchett (Sheena), and Edward Collins; his siblings, Karla, Barbara; his grandchildren, Aaron West, Aelissa West, Keisha Berry, Teri & Ashley Span, Xavier Span, Damien Span, Kayla Hayes, Carl Hayes Jr., Roma’n Grissett Jr., Cameron Holding, Keionna Zinnermon, and Narvel Zinnermon; great grandchildren; Ondrea Berry, Joana Jackson, Josiah Williams, Delilah Simon, Lenox & Legend Alford; his favorite niece, Carmen; and a host of extended family members and friends who will forever remember his love, wisdom, and steady presence.
Freddie’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched—as a husband, father, grandfather, veteran, public servant, coworker, and friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 3:00 pm at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park 170 Honore Ave. Sarasota, FL 34232. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until service time. Graveside service with Military Honors will be held Friday, July 31, 2026, 12:30 PM at Sarasota National Cemetery 9810 SR 72 Sarasota, FL 34241.
