Bonac Community Remembers Local Sports Star, Brother, Who Died in 2016

EAST HAMPTON, NY — A beloved East Hampton family who had to face the painful reality of burying two sons in 2016 is receiving help from a caring community reaching out to defray expenses.

A GoFundMe, "Freese Family Foundation," created by Fran Miller Silipo has raised $1,100 of its $7,500 goal so far.

"As many know, one of our local sports stars at East Hampton High School in his day, Kenneth Freese, passed away on November 30 locally, at the early age of 56," she wrote.

"He was successful in athletics and remembered as a quarterback on the football team, tennis player and dedicated track star."

Freese, Silipo said, is survived by his parents "that we all remember so well," Ward and Judith Freese, and also survived by his brother Bill from Georgia and sister Susan from Florida.

"To add to this sad time for the family we must remember Ken's brother Scott who passed away in February of heart disease at the age of 57. Unfortunately, life shows us time and again that tomorrow is never promised. However, this family has been torn apart losing one son/sibling after another. There has just been no time to heal or grieve.

"The family plans to come to East Hampton in May to remember Ken's life and bless East Hampton with a way to remember our friend, our neighbor, one of our very own. Until their relocation to Florida, the Freese home in the village was a gathering place for many a youngster. Mr. and Mrs. Freese were well known and always opened their hearts to others," she wrote.

"It's time for the community of East Hampton to open our hearts and raise funds for their ability to travel to East Hampton for the service and take care of untimely expenses that are just a small part of the tremendous loss this family has suffered. Let's show Kenny and his family that he made a difference in our lives in East Hampton and in other lives he touched."

Silipo added, "While we are celebrating the season, let's remember those that are not as peaceful, those that are downright heartbroken. Let's show them love. For you, Kenny. Go, Bonac!"