Reverend Daniel Louis Freitas, 87 of Melbourne, FL went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 from his home. Born in Terra Cha, Terceira, Açores, he was the son of the late Jose Luiz & Maria (Leonardo) Freitas
Father Freitas was ordained to the priesthood on June 11, 1949 at St. Mary Cathedral in Fall River. He served curacies at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bedford and Santo Christo Church in Fall River and pastor of St. Elizabeth Church in Fall River. He became pastor of St. John of God Church in Somerset from February 1974 until his retirement in 1996. He helped design the present church. Father Freitas also served from 1990 until his retirement as director of the Catholic Charities Appeal of the Fall River Diocese. On June 11th, Fr. Dan would have been ordained a priest 63 years.
Father Dan presided at one of the weekly weekend Masses at Ascension Catholic Church in Melbourne, FL. Fr. Dan was a 60-year Member of the Knights of Columbus Msgr. Martin B. Power Council 14573 at Ascension Catholic Church.
Another area that Fr. Dan has been associated with is the Coast Guard Auxiliary. As a boating enthusiast he has been involved with the Coast Guard Auxiliary since November 1958. Since he came to Florida, he has been a member of South Brevard Flotilla 42, where he served as the Operation Officer. In November 2008 he received the Fifty Year Auxiliary Membership Service Award signed by Rear Admiral R. S. Branham, District Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District. Father Dan also received a Fifty Year Plaque from the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Father Dan always said "yes." He faithfully served the people of his parish whenever he was asked and wherever he was asked to go. Father Dan will be sorely missed by everyone.
He is survived by his beloved caregiver, Gloria Kirkman (husband Joe) of Melbourne, FL and the Costa Family.
Visitation will be held in St. John of God Church on WEDNESDAY from 5-6:30 P.M. with a vigil service to begin at 6:30 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. John of God Church on THURSDAY at 11:00 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick Cemetery, Somerset.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fr. Daniel Freitas Scholarship Fund c/o St. John of God Church 996 Brayton Ave., P.O. Box 113, Somerset, MA 02726