Courtland F H Freese

Courtland F H Freese, passed away Sunday, December 12 at the age of 93 from natural causes.

Courtland, AKA “Papa” by his family, lived nearly 60 years in Pittsfield, NH. As a child he developed a love of music, performing in his family orchestra; “The Homespun Broadcasters”. While still in high school he formed his own dance band; “Frankie Freese And His Orchestra”, and in the mid 1950’s joined his brothers to create The Freese Brothers Band, a nonprofit that to this day raises funds for scholarships. Truly a musician at heart he later shared his passion with his grandchildren by making sure they all played an instrument or two and performed together in their own family band. A memory they will cherish forever.

Courtland spent over 60 years at Globe Manufacturing Company where he was dedicated to providing the highest quality Turnout Gear for firefighters around the world and where he made it a priority to treat employees as family. Following retirement he and his wife Shirley moved to Bow, NH to be close to his daughters and their children. Courtland also loved boating having spent childhood summers at Alton Bay. He continued this tradition, enjoying many long summer days with family and friends on Crystal Lake in Gilmanton, NH.

He is survived by wife Shirley, daughter Shay Welch, her husband Don and their daughters, Jette and fiancée Morgan Diamant, Lexie Allen and her husband Jack, and Sierra. Also son-in-law, Dave Herrick and his sons, Cody and his wife Carolyn and Tyler.
He was predeceased by his daughter Heidi Herrick.
Per his request, there will be no service. To honor his memory, donations can be made to the Pittsfield Historical Society, another passion of his, where he served as past director.