Dorothy A. Freno
Dorothy A. Freno, age 94, passed away peacefully on Nov. 13, 2025, at Holly Hill Skilled Nursing in Newbury Township, Ohio.
Born on Jan. 8, 1931, in Rossiter, Pa., she was the sixth of 11 children born to Alexander Roy and Julia (nee Dividock) Roy.
Dorothy grew up in Rossiter, where she excelled in school and proudly served as a cheerleader. It was there that she met the love of her life, Joseph Freno, who pitched baseball for the local Rossiter team. The two married on July 2, 1951, beginning a beautiful 61-year journey together. They settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where they raised their three children—Connie, Chris, and Joe—before moving to Chester Township, Ohio, in 1973.
After relocating, Dorothy joined the workforce at LFE Corporation in Chesterland, where she formed many dear, lifelong friendships. A devout Catholic, she lived her life guided by Faith, Hope and Charity. Her deep devotion was evident in every interaction and she touched countless lives with her kindness, humility and unshakable love. Above all, her faith and her family were the cornerstones of her life.
Dorothy was a dedicated member of the Church of Saint Anselm for more than 50 years. She served actively in numerous ministries, including the Memorial Buffet, Anselm’s Angels, Eucharistic Adoration and the Women’s Guild. She and Joe were also long-time members of the Young of Heart group, where they enjoyed fellowship and friendship for many years.
Her hobbies reflected her warm, patient and creative spirit. She loved sewing, crocheting, working on puzzles and playing cards. Some of her happiest memories were made during frequent getaways to the family cottage in Utica, Pa.
Dorothy had a remarkable gift for remembering the special moments in the lives of others—birthdays, anniversaries and every milestone—always marked with a card or thoughtful greeting that made loved ones feel cherished.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Connie White, of Chesterland; her sons, Christopher (Gloria), of Hambden Township, Ohio, and Joe, of Chesterland; her grandchildren, Cari Anne (Chris DiOrio), Christina (Zach Smolko), Katherine and David; and her great-grandson, Frederick. She is also survived by her brother Albert.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 61 years, Joseph; her brothers Frank, Alex, John, Paul and George Roy; and her sisters, Sophia Hamelin, Margaret Shaffer, Pauline McDaniel and Delores Urchuck.
Family and friends called at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, on Nov. 16, 2025. Mass of Christian burial was held Nov. 17, 2025, at the Church of Saint Anselm, 12969 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland. Interment Western Reserve Memorial Gardens, Chesterland Ohio.
The family wishes to thank Holly Hill for all the care that she received and the caring nurses and aides from Hospice of the Western Reserve.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Dorothy’s name to Hospice of the Western Reserve or any veteran’s or hungry children organization of your choice.
