Willie Larry Freeman

Willie Larry Freeman was born on February 7, 1950, inSkipwith, VA. He passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, in his Hamden, CT home, surrounded by loved ones. Throughout his 76 years, he was guided by faith, anchored by his family, and driven by a passion to shape young minds.

Legacy

Willie was predeceased by his father, Nixon Russell Freeman, Jr. and mother, Laura Beatrice Freeman. His legacy will be carried forward by the love of his life and dedicated wife, Delores Freeman; 2 daughters, Tarnisha “Tesha” Freeman-Pollard (Jason), Latesha Corbett (Derrick); brother, Darnell Douglas Freeman (Lynda), 6 granddaughters, Jaelynn, Faith, and Joy Pollard; Zanova,Zailya, and Zamira Corbett; and a host of beloved aunts, nieces, cousins, extended family, friends, community members and students.

Marriage

Willie met Delores Horton in 1967 while both were attending high schools in New Haven, CT. He was enrolled at Wilbur Cross and “Dee”, James Hillhouse. From the moment he saw her, Willie knew she was the one. After becoming high school sweethearts and dating for 6 years, they were married on June 16, 1973. Their love has flourished throughout their total of 59 years together, 53 of which were cherished in marriage. They were best friends and each other’s shadow.

Education

After graduating high school, Willie worked full-time at night to finance attending Southern Connecticut State University. Despite racial challenges, including a professoronce stating that he’d only amount to a dishwasher, he proudly earned a Bachelor of Science in May of 1972 and Master of Science in May of 1978. He would later go on to earn his 6th Year Professional Diploma of Advanced Studies in Administration-Supervision in May of 1981 and was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education in Theology in June of 2001.

A Life of Service

Willie’s 40 + years of commitment to education was recognized throughout his career. In 2002, the Theta Alpha Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.honored him with its Merit and Recognition Award, describing him as "a guiding light for our youth" whose dedication inspired others to reach their fullest potential.

His character extended far beyond the classroom. In 1982, Willie received a Heroism Award after risking—and sustaining—serious injury to protect a student from an assailant during a school trip to Washington, D.C. His courage and unwavering commitment to children earned him the honorable title of a "Friend of Education".

As a principal, he was named Principal of the Year in 1990, 1993, 1994, and 1995 before advancing to Supervisor of Social Studies for New Haven Public Schools. In 2003, he accepted the American Association for State and Local History's Achievement Award. He retired in 2010 afterending a fulfilling career dedicated to shaping future generations.

Willie's spirit of service also extended to his community. He volunteered with the United Negro College Fund, faithfully served at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church as Superintendent of Sunday School, Deacon, and choir member, and was recognized by numerous civic and community organizations for his leadership.

Passions

Willie, affectionately known as "Larry" by his southern family, embraced life with enthusiasm. He enjoyed domestic and international traveling (especially with his immediate family and/or J-Friends social club), fishing, gardening, home improvement projects, model cars and trains, playing the bass guitar, and partnering with Dee in a card game of bid whist.

While the world celebrated him for his many accomplishments, his greatest pride and joy was being a man of God, husband, father, papa, and brother. Dee would tell Tesha and Latesha, “when God made your father, He broke the mold”. They called him, their “hero”. His grands knew “whose baby they were - his”, and “Donny”, his little brother, was his protector, lifelong confidant, and the undeniable piece that completed him. The precious memories created in each capacity will live for eternity.

A celebration of Willie’s life will be held at 11am at Hamden Plains Church, Hamden, CT. Viewing in Church from 10-11am. Burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven, CT. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.