Joseph Lawrence Gilman

1930 - 2017

Joseph Lawrence "Larry" Gilman, 86, of Tariffville, loving husband of Ann Collier Gilman, died peacefully at Hartford Hospital on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, after a short illness. Born May 29, 1930 in New York City, he was the son of Joseph Williams Gilman and Christine (Baum) Gilman. Larry was a graduate of Boston University School of Music, with a Bachelor degree in Musicology, Yale University with a Bachelor degree in French Horn, and Wesleyan University with a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. He joined the Westminster School faculty in 1956 as Music Director and English Teacher. His tenure at Westminster spanned four Headmasters and included 25 years as Music Director, 39 years as an English Teacher and 21 years as the school's Archivist. He also coached diving and track. In 1990, Larry was designated as a Hometown Hero for his part as Director of the Tercentenary Chorale for Simsbury's 300th year celebration and for continuing as director of this group which became the Interfaith Chorale. Along with his wife of 60 years, Ann, he leaves his son, Lawrence C. Gilman and his wife Susan of Delta Junction, AK; his daughter, Suzanne Gilman and her partner Gena Taylor of New York City; his grandson, Aaron Apling-Gilman of Girdwood, AK; his sister-in-law, Anne Collier of Wakefield, MA; his nephews, Matthew Collier of Wakefield, MA, and David Collier of Wildomar, CA, and his niece Elizabeth Collier of Wakefield, MA. Our family is forever thankful to the Westminster Community for the support and warm, loving embrace they have always extended. There are no calling hours and services will be private. Any memorial donations may be sent to the Gilman Music Fund at Westminster School, 995 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements.