Richard R. Freitas

Richard “Rick” Freitas, age 70, a resident of Lowell, passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024.  He was the beloved husband of Karyn A. Kane-Freitas with whom he shared over 29 wonderful years of marriage. 

He was born on October 2, 1953 in Lowell to the late Manuel and Pauline (Caron) Freitas.

He was a graduate and outstanding wrestler of Lowell High School Class of 1971.  He was a member of their varsity team for three years; he won the Massachusetts State Championship during the 70 – 71 season, and had moved on to both the State and New England Championships. After graduation, he attended Tabor Academy and won the New England Prep Championship and was instrumental in leading Tabor to the New England Prep team Championship.

Rick graduated from Tabor and enrolled at Boston University.  He was undefeated his freshman year and again a member of an undefeated team three years running.  Rick won the New England Championship, was voted Outstanding Wrestler at the New England’s and had qualified for the NCAA Championship, a first for the Terriers. He also received Freshman All-American honors that season.

He then transferred to Montclair (NJ) State College, where he continued his incredible wrestling career.  He was a two-time conference champion with the Montclair team.  In 1977 he was crowned with winning the NCAA Division III Championship, becoming the first Massachusetts wrestler to win an NCAA title, and leading Montclair State to a NCAA team Championship.  Rick was then named to the NCAA All-American team and Montclair State’s Outstanding Senior Athlete.  Rick’s final college record consisted of 65-12-0 and overall of 133-19-0 with 75 falls.

Rick began a coaching career at Upsala College and UMass Amherst, where he led his teams to 15 NCAA qualifiers and 8 conference champions.

He was also the Director of St. Ambrose Family Shelter in Dorchester for over 22 years.  During his time with the shelter he was instrumental in establishing the Giving Garden, which supplies fruits and vegetables to many families in the Dorchester neighborhood; he was active in building a solid philanthropy base and was always recruiting volunteers to assist the many families within the program.

Rick had a passion for fishing, reading and helping those in need; he loved cooking and always looked forward to a quiet dinner with Karyn.

Surviving him in addition to his loving wife Karyn are two sisters, Paula Steele of Boston and Pauline Vezina of Lowell; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ken Sullivan, Daniel and Theresa Kane, Colleen Kane, Cheryl Kane and Michael Kane; his best friend, Tabor; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.  He was also predeceased by his two brothers Manny and Paul Freitas.

Relatives and friends are invited to come celebrate Rick’s life on Monday, Jan. 8, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the TYNGSBOROUGH FUNERAL HOME, 4 Cassaway Dr., Tyngsborough.  A Prayer Service will take place immediately following at 7 p.m.  Those wishing may make a donation in his memory to St. Ambrose Family Shelter, 25 Leonard St., Boston, MA 02122.  For online condolences, please visit www.tyngsboroughfuneralhome.com

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