Darryl B Freeman

Mr. Darryl Byron Freeman, a resident of Stamford, Connecticut for thirty-eight years, entered into Eternal Rest on Friday, April 18, 2014 at Stamford, Hospital. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on March 25, 1939, Darryl was the eldest of two children of the late Jesse and Caroline Freeman. He completed his initial formal education at Abraham Lincoln- Quincy Elementary School in Boston in 1953.

Darryl was a graduate of Boston Technical High School in 1957 where he excelled in the college preparatory academic program and athletics. Receiving esteemed recognition in the skill of High Jumping and other athletic areas, he achieved great success in high school as the award winning captain of the cross-country team and an outstanding member of the track and field team.

As a high school senior, seventeen years of age, Darryl energetically initiated his role as a junior resident counselor and staff member for a period of six years at the Charles Haydn Goodwill Inn for Boys, a residential facility for youngsters with social adjustment concerns. During his tenure at the Inn, Darryl executed multiple responsibilities inclusive of serving as project and program director, management of a musical group and being an active member of the Morgan Memorial Basketball Team. His extra-curricular activities also included service as President of the Methodist Youth Fellowship.

Mr. Freeman received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science Degree in Education (specializing in Guidance and Counseling) from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts. During his college years, he held the positions of student assistant and psychometrist in the Suffolk University guidance department.

Possessing a genuine interest in helping youth, his horizons were broadened when he was later employed at the United South End Settlements in Boston as a Youth Training and Employment Counselor. This position prepared him to become the Head Senior Counselor at the Rodman Job Corporation Center, an affiliate of Science Research Associates, which was a subsidiary of International Business Machines Corporation, Inc.

At the conclusion of the Rodman assignment, Darryl was requested by IBM to be its representative at the Street Academy, a storefront educational program sponsored by the New York Urban League. Following this professional opportunity, Darryl accepted an appointment in IBM's Sales Division ITQ (DPD), where he held a number of Personnel Specialist positions. Subsequently, he held Program Manager positions in the areas of Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action. These experiences led to a corporate assignment, where Mr. Freeman managed these programs for the Company.

Plant and Manufacturing exposure were the next ventures in Darryl Freeman's illustrious career, when he became the member of the Personnel Management Team at the Poughkeepsie, New York site. He then accepted a Personnel Managerial position at IBM's Brooklyn, New York Facility. Later he was appointed as the Manager of Employee Resources (Division Level); and Program Manager of Resources at the corporate level. Having achieved success in these capacities, Darryl ultimately assumed the responsibilities of a Consultant in the DSD/ Division Executive Resources Program, a succession planning and development effort for high potential executives.

In the year 2000, Mr. Freeman requested and received a one year leave of absence to work as a Special Assistant to the President and CEO of the Urban League of Southwestern Ct, Inc. It was during this period that Darryl became disabled and elected to retire.

A committed Christian, Darryl Freeman was a member of Union Baptist Church where he introduced the Tennis Program Initiative sponsored by The 100 Black Men of Stamford organization to the Union Baptist Church Summer Academy. For several years, Darryl and his team orchestrated this athletic program which provided instructional tutelage to students attending the Academy and other youth within the Stamford community.

Darryl Freeman was a dedicated, loyal and supportive husband to his wife of forty- one years, Faye Dalton Freeman. Having met as college students, they were married in November of 1963. To this union, a son, Byron Eliot was born.

Community involvement was an important facet in Darryl's life. He was a member of the N.A.A.C.P. of New York City, and The Chancellor and Chancellorettes Social Club; served on the Board of Directors of the Urban League of Southwestern CT.; and was an active member of the 100 Black Men of Stamford, Inc., an organization which honored him with the presentation of The McKeithan -Davis Award in 2005.

An esteemed sociable individual, who manifested profound familial dedication, Darryl enjoyed entertaining and fellowshipping with family members and friends on celebratory occasions with his beloved wife , Faye and their endearing son. As a family they derived immense pleasure from travel to delightful destinations within the United States inclusive of: New Orleans, Florida, Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas , Nevada. In addition, they engaged in luxurious cruises to St. John's, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in Canada,; trips to the Bahamas and European excursions.

Darryl was an avid sports enthusiast who delighted in watching televised field and track events and Jets' football games,while munching on his favorite snack: cashew nuts! A connoiseur of jazz music , he found pleasure in listening to Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, and other popular artists of the 1960's era.

Darryl Byron Freeman will be lovingly remembered as the perfect embodiment of a devoted and compassionate husband and father, exemplary family patriarch, consummate professional, benevolent friend and inspirational Christian who valiantly served humanity.

He leaves to cherish beautiful memories:one son: Byron Eliot Freeman of Stamford, CT.; one sister: Carolyn (Freeman) Coleman of Brocton, MA; three nieces: Anita Coleman of Boston, MA; April Coleman - Jean of Hyde Park, MA; and Pamela Jordan of Brocton, MA; four nephews: Kevin Coleman of Spring Valley, CA; Michael Coleman of Boston, MA; Rob D. Coleman of Laveen, AZ and Special R.E. Coleman of Raymond, NH.; 17 great nieces and nephews and twelve great , great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Faye Dalton Freeman.

A Visitation Hour will be held at Union Baptist Church, 805 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT. on Friday, April 25, 2014 from 11AM to 12PM., followed by A Celebration of Life Service at 12PM with the Reverend Dr. Robert W. Perry officiating. Interment will follow at Long Ridge Union Cemetery, Southside of Erskine Rd. (near Long Ridge), Stamford, CT. If you wish to leave an online condolence please visit www.leopgallagherstamford.com