MOUNT VERNON — John F. Freitas, 83, of Mount Vernon, formerly of Santa Clara, Calif., passed away Oct. 28, 2008, at his residence.
He was born in San Jose on Dec. 4, 1924, to Antone and Virginia (Dias) Freitas. John enjoyed Hard Top Racing. He was the Hard Top Champion at San Jose Speedway in 1950, 1952 and in 1956. He was a Santa Clara Reserve Police Officer. He also owned and operated Freitas & Sons Automotive in Santa Clara, retiring in 1990. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and I.E.S. in Santa Clara. John was a U.S. World War II Navy veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Juanita (Bruce) Freitas, to whom he had been married to for 59 years; one daughter, Judith Bailey of Mount Vernon; one son, Jerry (Blynn) Freitas Sr. of San Jose; one brother, Joseph Freitas of Santa Clara, Calif.; four grandchildren, John Bailey, Jerry Freitas Jr., Candace Bailey and Sara Freitas; four great-grandchildren, Cody, Mason and Emma Bailey and Rueben Freitas; close family friend, Pat Lopez of Mount Vernon; and countless nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Manuel and Antone Freitas; and a son-in-law, Ronald Bailey.
There will be no funeral services per John’s request.
Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter, 780 Park Ave. West, Mansfield, OH 44906.

