Jose Carlos Freemonde

Jose Carlos Freemonde, age 84, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2024. Born on September 26, 1940, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Jose was the youngest son of Joseph and Essie Freemonde and the beloved brother of six older sisters. A man of great intellect, compassion, and generosity, Jose touched the lives of many as a devoted father, friend, and community member. Jose graduated from San Diego City College in 1983 with a degree in History and Social Sciences. He dedicated his career to serving others, spending most of his working years with the Department of Social Services in New York City. After retirement, Jose pursued an unofficial passion for law and legal defense, serving hundreds of people—all without a formal law degree. He continued this work tirelessly until his final days, driven by his unwavering commitment to justice. To his neighbors, Jose was known as “the bread man,” a title he earned by going above and beyond to feed his community, sharing bread with those in need. To others, he was “the newspaper man,” a title that reflected his passion for reading multiple newspapers, especially his beloved New York Times. Jose’s love for history, current affairs, and music made him a fascinating conversationalist, and his sharp mind allowed him to engage in thoughtful discussions on a wide range of topics. Jose was also a man of refined taste, with an incredible eye for collecting fine art, stamps, and pottery. His home was a gallery of his treasures, with walls adorned by his carefully curated collection. His appreciation for beauty and culture was evident in every corner of his life. Jose is survived by his son, Armando; his daughter, Franchesca; and their mother, Helen, his former wife. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Essie, and his six sisters. A celebration of Jose’s life will be held on January 27, 2024, from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M.at the J. S. Burkholder Funeral Home 16th and Hamilton Sts. in Allentown, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ripple Church in Jose’s memory. Jose’s legacy of kindness, wisdom, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Jose Carlos Freemonde

January 15, 2025