Robert "Bob" Watson Freligh

Longtime Adrian resident Robert Watson (Bob) Freligh died August 24, 2023, in Rochester, NY, where he moved in 2018 to be closer to family. Bob was 102. Bob was an alumnus of Adrian High School (Class of 1939), Albion College (BA), and the University of Toledo (MBA). He enlisted in the United States Naval Air Service in 1942, trained as a torpedo bomber pilot, and served in the Pacific theater of World War II. Bob was honored with the Navy Cross for valor in combat following the successful landing of his plane when it was hit during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. In 1945, Bob married the former Jean Marie Lok, who joined him as a student at Albion College. Upon graduation, the Frelighs returned to Adrian to make their home and raise five children. Bob began his career in public accounting with the firm of Root & Nikolai. He went on to work as a financial officer for Brazeway Inc. and Kewaunee Scientific. In midlife, Bob and Jean took up running for exercise. They competed in many races in Michigan and elsewhere, making friends of all ages. Bob qualified for the Boston Marathon at age 60, and ran that race in 1982. After Bob’s retirement in 1984, he and Jean began to travel the world, widening their circle of friends nationally and internationally. The couple celebrated 50 years of marriage in 1995. After Jean’s death in 1999, Bob continued to see the world in her honor, completing trips to all seven continents. Bob was an active community volunteer during his years in Adrian, serving on the boards of the Adrian Public Schools, Bank of Lenawee, the Croswell, and the Adrian Symphony, among other groups. He was instrumental in the creation of the Lenawee Lifelong Learning program. Bob was predeceased by his wife, Jean, his brother, Bill; and his son, John. He is survived by his daughters Sarah, Penelope Pankow (Eric) and Libby, all of Rochester, NY; and Becky, of Cleveland Heights, OH. Funeral services took take place at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, NY on August 31, 2023 at 3 p.m. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian in the Heritage Room. Memorial gifts may be made to the Adrian Schools Educational Foundation at https://adriansef.org/. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Robert "Bob" Watson Freligh

May 22, 1921 - August 24, 2023