Joseph Leo Freiwald “Leo” passed away peacefully in Weston, Florida, Friday, October 02, 2020. He is survived by his 6 children; Patrick Freiwald, Thomas Freiwald, Clifford Freiwald (Nancy), Joan Freiwald (John Salazar), Margaret Geisland (Jim Richards) and Barbara Freiwald (Jonathan May), 11 grandchildren; John Freiwald, Vanessa Anderson, Joseph Freiwald, Patricia Hachar, Katelyn Newcomb, Craig Freiwald, Shellsea Hernandez, Tiffany Geisland, Nathan Olsen, Neil Olsen and Kimberley Olsen and 6 great-grandchildren; Trenton Freiwald, Evelyn Freiwald, Isabella Hachar, Amelia Hachar, Pierre Hachar, Noa Newcomb and brother John Theodore Freiwald.
He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy Patricia “Pat” Freiwald, parents, Mathias Freiwald, Laura Freiwald, half-sister Virginia Walker and brother Frank Freiwald.
Leo was born in Kansas City, Kansas on December 31, 1930, he moved to West Palm Beach Florida with his family, where he graduated from Palm Beach Junior College. Leo attended Florida State University where he met the love of his life, and future wife of 63 years, Pat. Upon receiving his Master’s Degree in Education, he taught at Sopchoppy Elementary for 2 years. They moved to Miami, where Leo taught at South Beach Elementary and Benjamin Franklin Elementary School for 40 years where he was also an administrator.
Leo was proactive in getting Dade County to include kindergarten in public schools. He served on statewide selection committees for all Florida elementary school curriculum, and was a life member with Phi Delta Kappa (teaching fraternity), serving in local, state and national positions and as an editor with the Phi Delta Kappa “Kappan” professional journal for educators. He was a lifelong reader continuing his career earning a Doctorate in Education from Florida Atlantic University.
He was known for his generosity truly living his life by the Golden Rule, always willing to help others in time of need, while being the steadfast anchor of his family. He loved traveling and family gatherings, taking special delight with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Services will be at Boyd-Panciera Funeral Home, 1600 North University Dr, Pembroke Pines, FL, 33021 Saturday, October 17, 2-5 PM. He will be reunited with his wife of 63 years at a family graveside service in November at Bethania Cemetery in Justice, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:
Campership Funds to benefit deserving youth in memory of J. Leo Freiwald
c/o South Florida Council, Inc.
Boy Scouts of America
15255 NW 82 Avenue
Miami Lakes, FL 33016
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, University Drive Chapel
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, University Drive Chapel
© 2025 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Larry Merritt
October 5, 2020, 6:24 pm
Patrick and Family,
I am sorry for the loss of your father, grandfather, and great grandfather. I hope the warmth and love of family and friends may bring you comfort during this sad time. May the great memories bring a smile to your face.
Condolences,
Larry Merritt
Levy Harrell Gantt
October 5, 2020, 6:29 pm
Patrick,
Just heard of the passing of your father. My most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Julie Lucas
October 5, 2020, 6:30 pm
Sending my condolences to the entire family. May God comfort and bless you during this difficult time. May all the wonderful memories that you hold in your hearts sustain you and comfort you as well. RIP Mr. Joseph Leo Freiwald.
Mary Ann Randolph
October 5, 2020, 6:31 pm
Patrick and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad sounded like he really lived and made a difference in young people’s lives. No greater importance than to teach the youth. The Boy Scout Campership Fund is a great opportunity to honor his memory in helping the youth.
May your many memories and those of others easy your loss.
Ted Marshall
October 5, 2020, 6:32 pm
Ted Marshall and Family send Our “Deepest Condolences” to YOU – Patrick and your entire Family. Loving memories will last FOREVER in Your HEARTS…
Paula Scott
October 5, 2020, 6:53 pm
Patrick, and family: Condolences to you regarding your loss. Your father lived such a full life, doing so many amazing things. Please stay strong.
Ramona Padron
October 5, 2020, 7:50 pm
My condolences to you and your family.
Damaris Williams
October 5, 2020, 9:21 pm
Dear Freiwald Family,
Sounds like Leo lived long and prospered by witnessing the growth of a multigenerational family and living an enriching life as an educator, writer, and friend. What a beautiful legacy and record of his life!!! Nonetheless, my condolences to all. I’m sure he’d want to cheer you all up and let you know that he will see you all again through God’s grace.
Sincerely, Damaris
cesar alorda
October 6, 2020, 3:07 pm
My condolences to you and your family
Wendy R
October 6, 2020, 3:40 pm
My Condolences to you and your family. I know how you LOVE your family, he will be miss.
Maria Perez-Rudisill
October 8, 2020, 1:28 am
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your father Leo. May the memories you shared be a source of comfort and joy.
Melinda Quinones
October 11, 2020, 5:45 pm
Mr. Freiwald held a very special place in my heart. I am saddened to hear of his passing. Our deepest condolences to the Freiwald Family. He now joins Mrs. Freiwald in eternal peace. Sending you all hugs and prayers..
Much love,
Melinda “watermelon” Quiñones and the Vazquez Family
Ingrid Caton
October 15, 2020, 9:51 pm
Patrick, my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. May my friendship and prayers ease you through this difficult time. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
Rosielyn Quiroz
October 16, 2020, 12:48 am
May the happy memories of your father help bring you some comfort in this difficult time. He had lived a full and fruitful life, helping many. My deepest condolences to your family.
Brenden Guerrier
October 16, 2020, 4:57 pm
Sorry for your loss Patrick, sending my condolences and prayers to you and your family.
Ronald Benjamin
October 16, 2020, 5:00 pm
To Patrick and your family.
You have my deepest condolences during this saddest time in your life. Remember the best of times to warm your heart and what it means to be family. All the best…
Joe Ricardo
October 16, 2020, 5:05 pm
Patrick,
My deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. May your shared memories provide comfort in your time of need and may you find comfort in knowing his presence and influence will be felt for generations to come through you and your family.
Most sincerely,
Joe
Shandra Lynch
October 16, 2020, 5:11 pm
My sincerest condolences on the passing of your father. May precious memories fill your heart and ease your pain, and may the lord give you strength during this difficult time.
Margaret Simpkins
October 16, 2020, 5:12 pm
Patrick,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. I pray that the beautiful memories you hold dear bring you comfort and peace. May the love of those around you help you through the difficult days ahead. My deepest sympathy to you and family.
Vilavinal John
October 16, 2020, 5:16 pm
Dear Patrick & Family,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. I’ve been through it and I understand your pain. May the Lord, the great comforter, give you peace and comfort to you and all the family members. God bless.
Kereisha Ottey
October 16, 2020, 5:36 pm
Patrick, My sincere condolences to you and your family during this time. May he rest in peace and his loving memories be the light that shines on you and gives you peace.
Dave DeJean
October 16, 2020, 5:52 pm
Patrick,
He was a well accomplished man. I’m sorry for your lost and wish you and your family the best moving forward.
Audrey Brunson
October 16, 2020, 7:17 pm
Patrick, please accept our most sincere condolences. I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of your father. Wishing you peace, comfort, and strength. One day at a time.
Larry and Jan Duemmling
October 17, 2020, 1:31 am
Leo was a true gentleman and scholar. He was a friend and mentor to many teachers at Ben Franklin Elementary School. My favorite memory was when on one Halloween, he posed as a female substitute teacher for his own class. No one knew, students nor staff, that she was really Leo until the school day ended and he revealed his true identity.
Leo was unique and will be missed.
Vanessa Wright
October 17, 2020, 3:59 pm
Patrick, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. May GOD bless and comfort you all.
Maria Velarde
October 19, 2020, 1:18 pm
Patrick,
I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.