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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thedialog.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/21133847\/Deacon-Freebery-WEB.jpg\" "\\"Deacon")
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Deacon John \u201cJack\u201d Freebery Jr., a member of the first class of permanent deacons in the Diocese of Wilmington, died Sept. 11. He would have celebrated his 80th<\/sup> birthday on Sept. 19.<\/p>\n Deacon Freebery was born in Wilmington and attended St. Thomas the Apostle and Corpus Christi schools before going to Salesianum School, from which he graduated in 1964. He attended Mount St. Mary\u2019s College for a year before transferring to the University of Delaware, where he earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in elementary education and a master\u2019s in school counseling. He later earned a doctoral degree in education leadership.<\/p>\n He spent 37 years in education as a teacher and administrator. Deacon Freebery worked in various public school districts and concluded his career as deputy superintendent of the Colonial School District. He retired in 2007.<\/p>\n He became a permanent deacon in 1980, ordained by Bishop Thomas Mardaga as part of the first class of men to go through that formation after the restoration of the permanent diaconate. Over the next 40 years, he served at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in New Castle, St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Hockessin, and St. Ann Parish in Bethany Beach.<\/p>\n He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marie; children Janay (Bruce Hannah), Kasey (Graham Burbage), Mark (Nancy Bennett) and Ann Marie (Brett Workman); and nine grandchildren.<\/p>\n Funeral services were Sept. 18 at St. Ann Church in Bethany Beach. Burial was at All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington. Donations in Deacon Freebery\u2019s name can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Conference, 691 Garfield Pkwy., Bethany Beach, DE 19930; or the Ministry of Caring, 115 E. 14th<\/sup> St., Wilmington, DE 19801-3209.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n