Lawrence ‘Ladd’ A. Willis of Southampton Dies March 21

Lawrence (“Ladd”) A. Willis of Southampton, New York, devoted husband of Cindy, passed away on March 21, 2024.

Born in New York in 1944, Ladd was raised in Florida, lived most of his life in NYC and, since 1990, made his home in Southampton and on his favorite home at sea, his 73’ sloop, campai.

Ladd obtained his BS in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and an MS in Computer Systems/Operations Research from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

After RPI he joined United Technologies where he was Senior Project Manager of Advanced Systems and led teams of scientists and engineers in the development and testing of new protected technologies involving the lunar landing space suit and underwater breathing apparatus. After receiving his MBA in Finance (with distinction) from Columbia University he moved to NYC for Chase Manhattan Bank where he led internal consulting before joining Coopers & Lybrand as partner and National Chairman of the Financial Services Consulting Practice. In 1990, he was recruited to First Manhattan Consulting Group as Executive Managing Partner advising international fi nancial services clients on a range of corporate business, product, and technology strategies.

As soon as Ladd retired from consulting in 1999, he joined the Board of Directors of Southampton Hospital as Treasurer. He was instrumental in and passionate about revitalizing the hospital’s finances and in implementing the merger with Stony Brook Medicine, helping to ensure the future of community healthcare on the East End.

He owned and operated two marinas on the North Fork until he sold the properties in 2022. Ladd was an adventurer who sailed campai on two transatlantic crossings with his crew and family and over a dozen deliveries between Sag Harbor and the Caribbean. Ladd and Cindy went on safari in Africa, vacations in South America, Europe and the Far East, and cruises in Alaska and the South Pacific.

Ladd was a competitive and avid athlete his entire life: he was a water-skier, alpine skier, and triathlete; played tennis, squash, and blackjack; and drove classic cars. He loved animals, especially his Newfoundland dogs, each of whom became fi xtures in the Village of Southampton where he walked them every day. Ladd’s friends describe him as a problem solver who led by example; a private person who was thoughtful, generous, and kind; a man of integrity and humility. He was all this and more.

His scientifi c mind allowed for a deep and resilient faith – he attended and supported St. John’s Church and St. Andrew’s Dune Church for over 30 years.

He was a member of the Bathing Corporation of Southampton, The Meadow Club, The Sag Harbor Yacht Club, The Southampton Club, and was a 50+ year member of The New York Athletic Club.

His full life was made complete by his cherished daughter, Haley, and her 2021 marriage to Peter Ludlow of Bridgehampton. Ladd was diagnosed with cancer four years ago but lived to revisit Africa with Cindy and friends in his last months. Ladd passed away peacefully in his beautiful home with Cindy by his side.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital will honor Ladd’s legacy of generosity and community spirit.