Harmon "Hirsh" Freeman

OAKVILLE - Harmon (Hirsh) Freeman, 1943-2022, of Oakville, CT, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2022, at Waterbury Hospital. He was the husband of Diane Reilly.

Harmon was born on February 8, 1943, in Holyoke MA, the son of the late Harmon E. and Claire (Gagne) Freeman. In 1960, Hirsh graduated from South Hadley High School where he was a three-sport, four-year athlete. He then graduated from UConn with a bachelor's degree in physical education. After working in the insurance business, he went back to UConn and achieved his master’s degree in social work. He was a Program and Outreach Director at the Morris Foundation, working primarily with substance abuse clients. Hirsh was a highly regarded member of the recovery community where he greatly impacted many lives. He proudly had almost 43 years of continuous sobriety (November 15). Hirsh was a talented softball pitcher, both fast and modified. He pitched for 52 years and was elected to the USA Softball Hall of Fame in 2019. He was a talented baker and gifted numerous people with his delicious cheesecakes and pistachio cakes. He was an avid Yankees and UConn sports fan. Hirsh will be remembered for his quick wit, generosity, and ability to relate to people. As one of Hirsh’s many friends once said of him, “he will be remembered for both what he did, and how he did it”. Hirsh was a quiet observer; often when he appeared to be dozing, he would surprise us with total recall. He also often repeated “the best speeches last under three minutes”. He had an extremely sensitive side, which was demonstrated in his love of nature, which he was not ashamed to show…he called it his “girly side”.

Harmon is survived by his beautiful bride, Diane Rielly, daughter Joan Daunis, husband John, and their sons, John William, and Justin; his son Matthew, wife Joan, and their sons Liam and Daniel; stepdaughter Maggie Cox and her husband Aaron and their children; Brian and Ashton; stepson Chad Valerio, his wife Marietta, and their children; Chad and Arianna; stepson Kyle Valerio and his wife Kimberly, and their children; Ryland and Lillianna. Harmon was predeceased by his father and mother Harmon and Claire Freeman. He was the eldest of four children and leaves his brother David, sisters; Mary Jane Lapham (Brent), and Lee Ann Wiesel (Jim). In addition, he leaves his favorite niece, Jennifer, nephews, Dean, Erik, Adam, and Kurt, and many dear relatives and friends. He also leaves his beloved pup, Kodi.

Hirsh’s family would like to thank and acknowledge the staff at DaVita Kidney Care for the care and support provided to Hirsh over the years.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 30, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care 1987 East Main St @ Southmayd Rd Waterbury. Burial will be at the convenience of his family. Relatives and friends may visit with Hirsh’s family on Sunday afternoon from 2:00-4:00 p.m. To honor Hirsh’s memory and in lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Bible Church of Waterbury, 240 Dwight St, Waterbury, CT 06704. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, share a memory or words of comfort with the family and friends of someone that was important to you. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to write a message. However, if you are able, attending a service is the thoughtful and caring way to show your support.