Jack Thomas Free

Jack Thomas Free, 80, died Sunday, June 24 at the Sarah Todd Memorial Home with his wife and much of his family by his side. He was born in Carlisle, PA on Thursday, December 24, 1931, son of the late Bradford M. Free and Helen (Wetzel) Free.
Jack's survivors include his devoted and loving wife, Gloriadean (Albright) Free, known to him as Deanie: one daughter, Jody A. Free of Carlisle and two sons, Tabb T. Free and wife Diane of Biglerville and Brad W. Free and fiance Terre Sarach of Mt. Holly: three grandchildren Shelley J. Eichelberger and husband Ronnie, Sean R. Free and wife Carisa all of Carlisle and Lennon M. Free of Biglerville: one brother-in-law, Ronald L. Albright of Hanover. Jack is also survived by three nephews, one niece and four great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death was one brother, James R. Free.
After spending much of his childhood in Flemington, NJ, Jack and his family relocated to Hanover, PA in 1948 where he met and married his wife, the love of his life. After serving in the Army from 1952 until 1954, Jack began a long career at United Telephone Company (later renamed to Sprint) in 1954, starting as a central office installer. During his career he lived in Carlisle and Warsaw, IN, where he and Deanie made many life long friends. When he retired in 1991 with 37 years of service, he was the chief engineer of Indiana Sprint and was held in high regard by many employees who remained in touch with him for his entire life. After 15 years of active and happy retirement spent living between Carlisle and St. Augustine, FL, Jack and Deanie returned to Carlisle full-time to be near their children and grandchildren who were all living in the area.
Jack was a dedicated "telephone" man, a devoted husband and family man, taking his role as the family patriarch very seriously. He was a provider and protector to all generations when needed. He was a good friend to many and a man known for his hospitality and helpful nature. He enjoyed golf and fly fishing, serving 9 years on the Florida State Golf Association, both on the board of directors and leading rating teams in the northeast part of the state.
In 2008 Jack was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a rapidly progressing degenerative brain disease. He was treated with respect, affection and even love by a dedicated staff at the Sarah Todd Memorial Home, where his wife, Deanie, honored the memory of the man she had loved by ferociously insisting on the highest standard of care in his declining years. He was a man who will be missed by many.
Jack's family has entrusted his care to the Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation with the family will be from 2:00 to 3:00 Sunday July 1st at the Carlisle Brethren in Christ Church, followed immediately by a memorial service with Pastor Alan Robinson officiating. Refreshments will be served in the multi-purpose room at the church after the memorial.
Donations in Jack's memory can be made to the Carlisle Brethren in Christ Church, 1155 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle, PA 17015 or to the Alzheimer's Association, online (http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp), by phone (1.717.651.5020) or by mail (send a check to: Alzheimer's Association, 3544 North Progress Avenue, Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110 Phone 717.651.5020.)
To sign the guest book visit www.hoffmanroth.com.