Gabriel Homes Receives Largest Gift in Its History

Special to the HERALD (From the Issue of 3/29/07) Thomas Freaney Jr., one of the original board members of Gabriel Homes, left $200,000 to the organization in his will. He died Jan. 12, 2006, at age 91, having served on the board for 24 years. His bequeath is the largest donation ever received by Gabriel Homes, dedicated to helping adults with disabilities develop their abilities.

Father Robert Cilinski, current board president and pastor of All Saints Parish in Manassas, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Gabriel Homes community. “We will always remember Tom Freaney’s vision and joy in serving those living with disabilities,” he said. “Tom was one of the ‘founders’ of Gabriel Homes in 1982 and served on the board of directors until his death. His generosity during his life and now at his death inspires us all.”

Gabriel Homes was founded as an outreach of Catholic Charities. Father Gerry Creedon, Freaney, Pete Kane, Fran Campbell and Peggy Bergin were instrumental in establishing this special ministry in the Arlington Diocese to provide residential programs for developmentally disabled young adults. Gabriel Homes currently has seven homes in Reston and Herndon. The executive director is Rebecca Hartner.

Through his commitment, Freaney helped Gabriel Homes move from a small organization of a few group homes to one that meets the needs of many disabled adults and their families through group homes living, work training and community integration. Thanks to his generosity, Gabriel Homes will be able to purchase another home, assist more residents and their families and help more adults with disabilities become full, participating members of their community.

Freaney was an Air Force colonel, who, after retiring from active military duty in 1970, practiced law in the Northern Virginia area and in the District of Columbia. He was an accomplished lawyer and received numerous awards during his military service including the Bronze Star. His life was dedicated to community service for which he was recognized by many organizations. He was a member of Good Shepherd Parish in Mount Vernon. He was buried in Arlington Cemetery on March 31, 2006.