Arnold Freitas died peacefully on January 13, 2008, surrounded by family and friends. Arnold was born on June 29, 1927 in New Bedford, Massachusetts to Moises and Matilda Freitas, oldest of four children. Arnold learned to play guitar at an early age and enjoyed playing Portuguese folk music with his siblings. Arnold joined the Merchant Marines as a young man and then enlisted in the Army. Arnold moved to San Diego County where he met and married Lillian Gann. They raised three children in La Mesa. Arnold was a pioneer tuna fisherman and active fleet manager in the tuna industry for 45 years. Arnold loved sports and often used football analogies to explain each person's role on the tuna boat and promote "team" atmosphere. Because of this, he was warmly known as "coach." Arnold's six grandchildren were the center of his life. He enjoyed cheering them on at sport activities, teaching them to swim and spending summers with them at the beach house. Arnold was the core of his family and touched many lives, he will be greatly missed. Arnold is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lillian; son Arnie (Joanne) Freitas; daughters Sue Burness and Sandy (Alan) Parker; six grandchildren Chrissie, Brent, Tony, Valerie (Ryan), Tammy and Kevin, and one great-granddaughter Taylor Faith. He is also survived by brothers Sal and Jimmy Frietas and sisters Madeline Qualin and Margie Hays. Arrangements by Featheringill Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be on Monday, January 21st, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 2766 Navajo Rd., El Cajon, California. Following the Mass there will be a Committal Service at Holy Cross Cemetery.
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Arnold Freitas died peacefully on January 13, 2008, surrounded by family and friends. Arnold was born on June 29, 1927 in New Bedford, Massachusetts to Moises and Matilda Freitas, oldest of four children. Arnold learned to play guitar at an early age and enjoyed playing Portuguese folk music with his siblings. Arnold joined the Merchant Marines as a young man and then enlisted in the Army. Arnold moved to San Diego County where he met and married Lillian Gann. They raised three children in La Mesa. Arnold was a pioneer tuna fisherman and active fleet manager in the tuna industry for 45 years. Arnold loved sports and often used football analogies to explain each person's role on the tuna boat and promote "team" atmosphere. Because of this, he was warmly known as "coach." Arnold's six grandchildren were the center of his life. He enjoyed cheering them on at sport activities, teaching them to swim and spending summers with them at the beach house. Arnold was the core of his family and touched many lives, he will be greatly missed. Arnold is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lillian; son Arnie (Joanne) Freitas; daughters Sue Burness and Sandy (Alan) Parker; six grandchildren Chrissie, Brent, Tony, Valerie (Ryan), Tammy and Kevin, and one great-granddaughter Taylor Faith. He is also survived by brothers Sal and Jimmy Frietas and sisters Madeline Qualin and Margie Hays. Arrangements by Featheringill Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be on Monday, January 21st, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 2766 Navajo Rd., El Cajon, California. Following the Mass there will be a Committal Service at Holy Cross Cemetery.