Father Francis Freel, C.Ss.R.

Father Francis Freel, C.Ss.R., who served in the archdiocese and as a missioner to Brazil, died July 18 at St. John Neumann Residence in Saratoga Springs. He was 87. In the archdiocese, he was pastor and rector of Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish, Manhattan, 1987-1993, and remained in residence there until 1999. He also served at Mount St. Alphonsus in Esopus. He was a missioner to Brazil for a total of 25 years, serving in Ponta Pora, Tibagi, Aquidauana, Campo Grande and Ponta Grossa. In Campo Grande, he was vice provincial superior. In the United States, he also served in Pennsylvania and Maryland. More recently he was appointed to San Alfonso Retreat House in West End, N.J., before going to St. John Neumann Residence in 2000. Born in Valley Stream, he entered the Redemptorists in 1941 and made final vows in 1944. He was ordained in 1946 after studying for the priesthood at St. Mary's Seminary in North East, Pa., and Mount St. Alphonsus in Esopus. He is survived by a brother, Donald, and a sister, Pat Champeau. A Funeral Mass was offered July 23 at San Alfonso Retreat House. Burial was at Mount St. Alphonsus.