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.