SEMINOLE, Fla. – Carroll William “Bill” Freeman III, of Seminole, Fla., loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle to many nephews and nieces, passed away unexpectedly on March 6, 2023, with his dear wife, Sharon, by his side.

Bill was born on Sept. 1, 1953 to Carroll William Jr. and Doris Vachon Freeman of Millinocket. He was the the second of five children. Bill attended local schools and graduated from the University of Maine, Orono, where he majored in Political Science.

Upon graduation, he was employed by the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Bill had a long and very distinguished career as the State of Maine Area Director. He was the author of the Maine Top 200 Program, which not only changed the way safety inspections were performed in Maine, but became the model for the entire country. Bill was honored at a White House ceremony where President Clinton and Vice President Gore lauded Bill and his staff for their foresight and innovation. Bill and his staff were also awarded the Gore Hammer Award. The Ford Foundation as well as the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard awarded Maine Top 200 as one of 15 winners out of 1,500 entries for the Good Government Award. After this, Bill traveled the country promoting the new program. He retired in 2011.

Bill is survived by “the love of his life,” Sharon (Breton) Freeman, whom he married in 2002. Theirs was a love story – spending time together in all forms. They were theater fans, attended concerts, several ocean cruises and looked forward to a return trip to Europe. They were active boaters; Bill captained and his first mate, Sharon, followed his lead on the Maine waters of Maranacook Lake and Ambajejus Lake.

Many happy memories were shared with family at their open-door-policy Readfield cottage, located on Maranacook Lake and at the Freeman Family Camp on Ambajejus Lake. Bill was a chef extraordinaire and was known for his Lobstah Boils, Mushroom Risotto, Stromboli, Pizza and slow smoked BBQ.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Carroll W. and Doris Freeman; and his son, Benjamen Thomas Freeman.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Breton Freeman; son, Jason P. Freeman (Michele) of Holden, and daughter, Ashleigh E. Freeman of Bangor, from his former marriage to Elizabeth McDonald Freeman; stepdaughter LeeAnn Stumm (Eddie) of Cranberry Twp, Pa., and stepson, Jason Breton (Kathleen) of Readfield. He is also survived by his siblings Linda M. Kilar (Fred) of New London, N.H., John P. Freeman (Lavina) of Millinocket, Kevin M. Freeman (Michelle) of Scarborough, and Anne F. Walker (Eric) of Naples. He is survived by his grandchildren, Lauren, Jacob, Emma, Lily, Alyssa, Jack, Gray and Liam; great-granddaughter, Allison; and many nieces and nephews. His special Uncle Tom and Aunt Elaine are not to be forgotten and many thanks to the unwavering support of best friends Dee and Doc Ring and a host of friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, May 27 at St Augustine Catholic Church, 75 Northern Ave, Augusta ME 04330. Burial will follow at Holy Family Cemetery.

Please visit http://www.gardensanctuaryfunerals.com for video tribute and to share remembrances.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Copy the Story Link

« Previous

Obituary: Kierra “Kia” Ann Lint

Next »

Obituary: Clifford Edward Moulton Sr.