William “Willie” H. LaFreniere

William “Willie” H. LaFreniere, 71 of Ithaca, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Saturday, March 30, 2024. 

He was born on May 28, 1952 in Manistique, MI to Bill and Millie (Bailey) LaFreniere.

While growing up he went to school in Ithaca and spent his summers in Grand Marais.  Willie graduated in 1970 from Ithaca High School.

On April 1st, 1972, Willie married the love of his life, RoseZan Sue Finch.

Willie was a hard worker, starting at age 11 at Dionise Market.  Later he could be seen anywhere from the Shell pumping gas to pouring drinks at the North Star Bar.  He worked at Wolverine World Wide where he met RoseZan and later retired from Aircraft Precision Products after nearly 40 years.  

Willie and RoseZan had 4 children; Scott (Carla) LaFreniere of Alma, Heather LaFreniere of Utica, Heidi (Wayne) Gavenda of Ithaca, and Hollee (Dottie) Nicholson of St. Clair Shores.  

Anyone who knew Willie knew how much he loved youth sports.  He supported any and all kids, no matter the sport or school they represented.  After his own kids graduated, Willie continued to support the Ithaca youth and the Ithaca Yellowjackets.  Later he was a huge supporter of the Breckenridge Huskies.  

Besides his wife and kids, Willie is survived by his grandkids; Jasmine, Spencer, Jameson, Coltin, Brooklyn & Ashlyn.  Willie also leaves behind his furbaby, Bowie.  Surviving are also his siblings; Gail (Bob) Huber, Tim (Laurie) LaFreniere, Dave (Chris) LaFreniere & Deanette (Jeff) Watson, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and lots of great friends.

Proceeding him in death were his parents and in-laws, Ernest & Betty Finch, as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.  

A special thank you to Dr. Russell Anderson and all the girls at the Ithaca Family Care for their endless support and care.  

Donations may be made to the family to help with funeral arrangements.  Any remaining funds will be donated to youth sports in Willies name.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am Friday, April 5, 2024 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church with Father Edwin Dwyer Officiating and interment following at Ithaca Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7pm Wednesday April 3, and 2-4pm and 6-8pm Thursday, April 4 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. In honor of Willie’s love for high school athletics, the family is asking for people to wear their favorite high school team clothing.

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Amy Sebring]

My condolences to Willie's entire family. He was a larger than life personality. I hope you can find comfort and peace in this trying time.

[Evely/Steve Martin]

Willie was always willing to help when needed. Wonderful Classmate, and friend.Evelyn & Steve

[Joel Vozar]

So sorry of hearing of Willie's passing. Will always remember the nights at the Shell, with "Punk" and the boys ,and all the fun pranks and jokes too. You rest in peace old friend

[Patty Evans Wilt]

My dear friend, rest in peace. Have known you and your siblings since I worked with your mom for years at Masonic. Lot of memories. Prayers for all the family.

[Kim Vernon]

I am so sorry to hear of Willy's passing. He was a wonderful guy. May he RIP and our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

[Disa Davis]

So sorry to hear of Willie's passing. My condolences to the family. He was one of few of my classmates that treated me with kindness and respect.

[Lynette Freed]

My love and prayers to RoseZan & the whole family. We will all miss Willie. He was a huge part of our lives and our community. I will never think of him without smiling. God bless you all

[Jeanette Vaughn]

I send my deepest sympathy to all that love Willie, may our Lord wrap his arms around you and give you comfort with precious memories of great times with Willie. I too will miss the fun times with Willie. Remember God's promise.. Until we meet again. Tender hugs n Prayers

[Kimberly Tulk]

Prayers for all family members. Sending love and hugs for Deanette

[Larry Gould class of '70]

I went all 13 yrs of school with Willie. He was a character even back in the first grade. My earliest memory of Willie is when as a child he had to wear leg braces everyday...Now Heaven has to brace for Willie. Prayers for the family.
.

[Lisa Heimburger]

We are so sorry to hear of Willie's passing. He had such a sense of humor and a love of school sports! He will be missed in our community and by all who knew him. Condolences to all his family. Lisa and Steve Heimburger

[Darryl McCaw]

We are so sorry to hear of Willie's passing. We are in FLORIDA we will not be there but we will keep the family in our prayers

[Michael Bowen]

I’m sorry to hear of Willie’s passing. He was a good friend to many and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

[Darrell Hundey]

So sorry to hear of Willie's passing. He was a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.

[Lori Strouse]

RoseZan and Families,
My dad, Vincent Strouse, and I wish to send our deepest sympathies for the loss of Willie. What a fun and amazing man he was! Blessings to you all.
Lori Strouse

[Lori Crocker]

My granddaughter played basketball with Willie's granddaughter. I remember Willie and RoseZan sitting proudly at EVERY game. That memory of their love and support for Ithaca sports and their grandchildren will always bring a smile to me. My prayers are with your family Willie.

[Dan & Rita Shankel]

We are so very sorry to hear of Willie's passing away. He brought such joy to our lives when we lived in Ithaca. He was an amazing man who could bring humor and joy to many people. We send our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this time. Sending many prayers !!!!!
Dan & Rita Shankel

[Ellie VanHorn]

Our Heartfelt condolences to all of Willie's family. He was a nice man! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

[Ellie VanHorn]

Our Heartfelt condolences to all of Willie's family. He was a nice man! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ellie, Adam and Samuel VanHorn

[Ellie VanHorn]

Our Heartfelt condolences to all of Willie's family. He was a nice man! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

[Paula Bolton (Gerald "Jerry" Shaw)]

My father, Jerry Shaw, worked at Wolverine with Will. Dad is currently 97 and wanted me to send his condolences to the family. He is remembering many stories right now. So sorry for your loss.

[Craig Snyder]

Our prayers and condolences to Willie's family!
Craig Snyder and family