Larry Freeman

1953 - 2020
LARRY FREEMAN, 1953 – 2020. Larry Freeman of New York, NY, loving and generous son, brother, friend, drummer, and social worker, died peacefully at home on December 20. Everyone who met Larry noted his great, sly sense of humor, and his amazing ability to connect with people no matter their background. He also had the best smile.

He recently retired from his professional work as a psychiatric social worker. Having earned his Masters' Degree in psychiatric social work at NYU, he worked in several hospitals – Jacobi, Brookdale, Cabrini and finally Bellevue -- on inpatient teams that treated adults with mental illness. At Bellevue he worked for 8 years on one of the forensic psychiatry inpatient units. He treated all of his clients with dignity and humanity – treating them more like friends than patients. One wrote in a tribute to him: "You possess an inner peace and strength that is encouraging and inspiring."

Larry was the epitome of cool – in style, taste and skills. Prior to his shift to social work, he partnered with his brother to run a successful fashion accessory design firm. He was also a rock drummer since his teens. A skilled and attentive musician, he played drums, drawing from his large collection, with many different bands and groups across NYC.

Most recently, at Bellevue Hospital, on his own time, including after his retirement, he led drumming circles with clients. This was the highlight of their week.

Larry was a loving son to Morris (Marty) Freeman (retired New York Times printer) and Sue Stein Freeman, both deceased. Larry is survived by his older sister Dena Freeman Stewart (m. Stewart Stewart) in Miami Beach, and his younger brother Stuart Freeman (m. Hirokazu Yoshikawa) in Manhattan.

It is profoundly sad for family and friends, and everyone else who knew and loved Larry Freeman, that Sunday, December 20, 2020, at 9:26 p.m., was the night the music died.