John A. DeFreitas

John A. “Johnny” DeFreitas, age 90, died Thursday, November 21, 2024 at home. He was the beloved husband of the late Patricia A. (Mullen) DeFreitas with whom he shared 64 years of marriage, until her passing in 2023.

Born in Lowell on June 17, 1934 he was the son of the late Virginia (Farinha) and Joseph DeFreitas. After high school, John went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked for many years at Courier Citizen, after which he made a move to a job that would change his life, as a facilities manager for UMASS Lowell Athletics, from where he ultimately retired.

To say he made many lifelong friends there is an understatement. Coaches, staff, student athletes all became an integral part of Johnny’s life. He took many athletes under his wing, taking them out to breakfast and always making sure their parents back home got the Lowell Sun newspaper clippings of their son or daughter’s athletic achievements. He was especially fond though of the hockey program, both the players and coaches, many of whom he considered dear friends. He and his wife, Pat were 40 year season ticket holders and rarely missed a game. To honor his dedication to the program he was inducted into the Legends Hall of Fame in March of this year. He will be missed by all his friends at the Tsongas Arena, Costello Gym and the UML Recreation Center.

John is survived and will be deeply missed by his several nieces and nephews including, Margie Thibodeau, Greg Dillon, Bill Dillon and Jim Dillon and their families; his sister, Dolores Machado of Dracut; his two sister-in-laws, Irene DeFreitas of Lowell and Judith Barber of Hanover; as well as many other DeFreitas, Mullen and Machado family and friends. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Johnny’s lifelong neighbor and friend, Jim Lahiff, for his kindness, friendship and support over the past few years.

He is predeceased by his brother, Joseph DeFreitas and his brother and sister in-laws, Greg and Sis Dillon, Betty and Dwain Bernat, John Mullen and Edward Machado.

Relatives and friends are invited to John’s Life Celebration Monday, December 2, 2024 from 4 until 7 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 AM in St. Francis Church, Dracut. Burial to follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund, 360 E. 10th Avenue, Suite 201, Eugene, OR 97401.