Manuel Freitag

Manuel "Manny" Freitag, formerly of 953 Prospect Avenue, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2015 at the Pines Health & Rehab, following a lengthy illness with his loving life companion and care giver Theresa Hibye by his side. Manny was born on July 1, 1924 in Erie, PA. and was a son of the late Isadore H. and Rose Shneiderman Freitag. His family arrived in Olean when he was a young child and he made this his home for life. He graduated from Olean High School in 1942. Manny attended St. Bonaventure University until enlisting in the US Army, serving in the Tenth Army Division in the South Pacific, during WWII from 1943 to 1946. After the war Manny continued his education in Engineering at Michigan State on the GI Bill. Upon returning to Olean, he owned and operated Freitag's Liquor Store and Olean General Supply Co. He was a member of Temple B'Nai Israel Synagogue where he served on many committees and held many positions. Manny was also a member of Olean Masonic Lodge F&AM 252 and a lifetime member of the VFW. Manny was of great service to the Olean community and surrounding areas. He was devoted, loyal and generous to his family and friends. He enjoyed working in his businesses and his pets. He appreciated his home, cars, dining, his many trips with Theresa, vacationing at his winter home in Florida, and long walks in any weather condition. He enjoyed the company of dogs on those walks and doggie sitting for friends and neighbors. He was proud to be known as the "Biscuit Man". He shall be forever admired and loved. Manny's life journey may be complete but he leaves a legacy of kindness, compassion, patience, wit and love of mankind. Surviving in addition to his life companion, Theresa Hibye; are nieces, Helen (Sam) Strauss Ribbler of Columbus, OH, Ellen Beth (Stefano) Freitag Franklin of Calabasas, CA, and Carol Freitag (Bill) Halpin of Castaic, CA; two great nieces; and two great nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Isadore; mother, Rose; and brothers, Hervin and Louis Freitag; and a sister Esther Freitag Strauss. Funeral and burial services will be private. Friends are invited to a Memorial Brunch to be held on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at 11:00 am at EB Restaurant in Allegany. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to B'Nai Israel Synagogue, PO Box 224, Olean, NY 14760 to the Friends of the Pines, 2245 West State Street, Olean, NY 14760, or to the Olean SPCA Rt 16 North, Olean, NY 14760. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., #646 E. State St., Olean. Online condolences may be made by clicking on the button above.