Leander V. Willetts, Iii.

WORCESTER - Leander V. Willetts III was born in Huntington, New York on November 4,1947. Lee was known as a proud member of Oyster Bay's Pine Hollow neighborhood and later made Worcester, Massachusetts his home. He attended Oyster Bay Schools and was a star athlete, leading his high school basketball team to a Nassau County championship in 1965. Leander was a member of the basketball, football and track teams as well as the band. According to family legend Lee broke a high school track record set by his father Leander Jr. Lee was the grandson of a decorated WWI Harlem Hellfighter and continued the long family tradition of military service by serving in the Coast Guard for 7 years where he received the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star. Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device Combat Action Ribbon and a Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. After leaving the Coast Guard Lee worked for the state of Massachusetts in their juvenile division and volunteered for the Vet Center in Worcester.

Lee was a legend in his hometown of Oyster Bay, with his passing came dozens of stories and accolades detailing his sports and musical prowess, and devotion and kindness to family and friends. Lee is survived by his children , Dr. Kheli Willetts (Asomgyee Pamoja), Leander IV, sisters Lynne and Debra, grandchildren Haile, Mutabaruka and Zakharii in addition to many relatives and friends. Lee is predeceased by his parents Leander Jr and Mary Augustine Taylor and survived by his stepmother Catherine.


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