Samuel M. Freeman II, auction house chair

Posted

Samuel M. “Beau” Freeman, 80, chairman of Freeman’s Auction, died June 15 at his home in Chestnut Hill.

Mr. Freeman, who represented the sixth generation of the Freeman’s family, had been a staple of the auction house since 1958 and was involved in all aspects of the business – from sweeping floors, to appraising Philadelphia clocks and furniture, to carrying his family’s company into the 21st century.

Perhaps most comfortable behind the auctioneer's podium with gavel in hand, Mr. Freeman called an auction at Freeman's as recently as June 12. With his trademark bow tie, he was a dynamic figurehead for the company and a true Chestnut Hill gentleman with a steadfast passion for the auction business.

Known for his gracious humility, courtesy, effusive charm and dry wit, he was loved by his employees, friends, and family alike. His office was a place where people often stopped for advice, friendly conversation, or simply to hear a lively anecdote from Freeman's past.

A native of Philadelphia, he attended Germantown Friends School and graduated from Wesleyan University in 1958.

Mr. Freeman is survived by his wife, the former Margaret “Peggy” Davison; sons Samuel T. Freeman III, William H. Freeman and Jonathan D. Freeman; a daughter, Wendy Freeman; a sister, Barbara F. Jones; and eight grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 23, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave., Philadelphia PA 19118. Memorial donations may be made to the above church, the Center for Autistic Children, 3905 Ford Road, Suite 6, Philadelphia, PA 19131, or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 225 City Ave., Suite 104, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. – WF

obituaries