Tributes

Lawrence William Freeland, Jr. was born on March 15, 1953, in Wheeling, WV and passed away unexpectedly on August 24, 2024, at Ruby Memorial Hospital, following complications from back surgery. He is survived by his wife Denise (nee Dick), daughter Megan Elizabeth Roskovensky (Charlie), son Sean Patrick Freeland (Kerri), grandsons Callum and Alden Freeland, and his precious pups, Molly and Maggie. Larry and his siblings, Connie Hawkins (Charlie), Mary Beth Lucas (Mike) and Tom Freeland (Denise) were inseparable, and he cherished his nieces and nephews. Larry’s family was his greatest love and joy. He and Denise loved to travel, listen to music, kick butt at trivia, and spend time with their many friends. He was so proud of Megan and Sean and never failed to sing their praises every chance he got. The feeling was mutual. Though he lived in Moundsville most of his life, Larry always considered Center Benwood his home. Several of his lifelong friendships were formed on the streets of Benwood and he treasured his time there. Larry was a history teacher and counselor at both Moundsville Jr. High and John Marshall and a beloved basketball coach. Larry’s love of history was infectious, and he was often contacted by former students whom he had impacted. In fact, he counted many of his former students as dear friends. Larry was immensely proud of his Irish heritage and, ever the lifelong learner, immersed himself in learning all he could about the history of the Emerald Isle and his own ancestral ties. He was always quick to share his love for Ireland with others and wore his Irish pride on his sleeve. Larry’s interest in his cultural heritage led him to follow in his great grandfather’s footsteps and join the Wheeling Chapter of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, where he was an active member. Larry was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Parish and he dedicated many years of his life to the Knights of Columbus Council #1907, where he was a Fourth Degree Knight and was Grand Knight for a time. Larry’s fellow Knights were counted among his best friends, and they planned many a charitable Tootsie Roll drive and golf tournament together. Larry also began the popular Irish Road Bowling event hosted by the Knight of Columbus each fall. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Sgt. Lawrence William Freeland, his mother, Rita Elizabeth Freeland (nee Deegan), and his father and mother in-law, Tom and Deemy Dick. Family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5-8pm at Grisell Funeral Home & Crematory, 400 Jefferson Ave., Moundsville, with Rosary Devotions being recited at 4:30pm. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 11am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 610 Jefferson Ave., Moundsville with Fr. Priyesh Sebastian as celebrant. Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Moundsville-Marshall County Library, 700 5th St., Moundsville, WV 26041 or Marshall County Animal Shelter, 37 Animal Shelter Dr., Moundsville.

Tributes

Lawrence "Larry" William Freeland Jr.

March 15, 1953 - August 24, 2024