Three Village Central School District and Ward Melville High School’s Athletic Department’s long-time friend and colleague, Willie White, passed away a few days ago.  Willie had been battling cancer for the last few years and, more recently, kidney failure.

For those of you who never had the chance to meet Willie, he was a fixture and a legend who was very passionate about Three Village and Ward Melville Athletics.  Willie worked for almost 40 years for the district in many capacities until he retired in 2007.  Even after officially retiring, he continued to work at athletic contests, always there to help or be a fan.

“He worked and supported the athletic program right up until the last year,” said Three Village Athletic Director Kevin Finnerty. “Willie worked, supported Ward Melville athletics, and was a huge sports fan for over 50 years, even during his last years while battling cancer.  He was the kindest man and always put a smile on the faces of everyone around him.  The Three Village Central School District and Athletic Department will miss him dearly, and we are so sad to see him leave us.”

In 2008, Three Village named one of its turf fields in his honor after he retired.

“Willie is and will forever be a Patriot in our hearts,” said Finnerty.

Services will be held Thursday, January 18 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home in East Setauket. There will be a funeral mass on Friday, January 19 at 10 a.m. at Bethel AME Church in East Setauket. He will be laid to rest at Washington Memorial Park Cemetery in Mount Sinai.