Harold J. "Buzz" Freitas was born on May 16, 1932, in San Jose, California to Harold and Alice E. (Schweitzer) Freitas. He passed away on March 2, 2019, in Seward at the age of 86 years, 9 months and 14 days.

As a young boy he delivered newspapers by bicycle in the San Jose area, he played the violin and was an altar boy. Buzz grew up on a farm-orchard.  He learned at an early age that it took hard work and dedication to run a farming operation. The dedication to work followed him throughout his numerous career paths. Buzz loved all kinds of sports including basketball, football and especially baseball (catcher). He worked at the Falstaff Brewery in adult life, where he was a member of the Local Union No. 893 and was also a member on their bowling league.

During his time in the Army, he was stationed at Fort Ord, California; he was in charge of the kitchen. That skill carried throughout his life and he always loved making homemade spaghetti sauce. After kitchen duties he joined the Army baseball league. He was an exceptional player and had an opportunity to go to the major leagues. He decided to forego the offer and returned to San Jose where he joined his wife, Rita and their two young children. Buzz operated a liquor store for 35+ years. It was hard work including long hours and seven days a week. He was elected the President of the California Liquor Association. He was well liked in the industry and was responsible for having bills passed in the legislature. Buzz inspired his son, Johnny to create a new cocktail for T.G.I Friday called the Buzz-rita.

On October 10, 1997, Buzz was united in marriage to Maureen Warren. This prompted the move to Seward. Buzz joined the Seward Country Club shortly after arriving in Seward. He took every opportunity to play golf and achieved a hole-in-one on number 5, which was a highlight of his life and witnessed by his good friend, Roger Gomez.

Buzz had an infectious smile, was a great storyteller, had a love of traveling, deep sea fishing and enjoyed volunteering to help harvest corn. Buzz also sold automobiles for six years. He also loved coaching local high school baseball teams. Buzz had many lifelong friendships that lasted over 60 years. He was a great provider and raised a wonderful family. Buzz will be missed dearly, but he is now golfing the best game forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Willie Eggers.

Buzz is survived by his wife, Maureen, Seward; four children, Lori and Joe Ferrito, Kristi and Rich Saso, Linda and John Urzi, Johnny and Kerry Freitas; 12 grandchildren; three great grandchildren and former wife, Rita, all of California. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of life shared with Buzz.