Lawrence "Larry" Graves

Lawrence (Larry) Graves, who sometimes referred to himself as leave-them-laughing Larry, passed from this world on January 11, 2025, at RiverMead in Peterborough, NH. Although his loved ones are heartbroken, Larry did indeed leave them with many memories over which to smile and laugh. He often said his day was made when he could bring a smile to someone’s face.

Larry, the son of Lorimer and Eleanor (Sullivan) Graves, was born in Massachusetts and raised in Hollis, New Hampshire. He served three years in the United States Army as a weather observer in New Mexico, launching his life-long interest in meteorology. After being honorably discharged, Larry attended the University of New Hampshire where on one very auspicious day, he decided that instead of sitting with his best buddy, he was going to sit next to a girl. Pat (Patricia Thompson), who was to become his wife, considers herself extraordinarily blessed that Larry chose the seat next to hers. 

After graduating with a BS in Business, he began his career as an insurance professional at Liberty Mutual in Boston. Over the years he worked for several companies—first in claims, then in loss control, and finally as the Manager of Finance at what was then known as Peerless Insurance Company in Keene, NH. Always dedicated to learning, Larry earned a Masters in Business Administration from Northeastern University and completed the rigorous requirements to become a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). He was also active in the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), serving a term as the local chapter’s president, In addition, he taught courses at several colleges. When his daughter, Lynne, also became an insurance professional, he was her sounding board and the one person in the family who understood the lingo. 

For a few years after leaving the insurance business, Larry entered the non-profit world, working in the finance department of World Learning in Brattleboro. When he and Pat moved to Maine, he established a private consulting business and served on the York Budget Committee, including as chair, and was treasurer for both the town of York and the York Land Trust.

By far, Larry’s greatest love was his family. As the love of Pat’s life, he gave her his trust, his keen mind, his quirky sense of humor, and his belief in her—always supporting her in following her dreams. Above all, he gave her his undying love. Their lives were enriched even more when they welcomed daughters Joy and Lynne into their fold. Larry delighted in being a father, eliciting giggles by giving the girls flip-flops, combining practicing times- tables with playing catch, being a listening ear whenever it was needed, and proudly supporting them as they blossomed into fine young women. When granddaughters, Rebecca and Eleanor were born, Poppa reveled in the joy of discovering who they would become. 

Larry was always interested in new adventures, and early in their marriage proposed to Pat that they do “A Thing of the Month.” Each month they would do one thing they’d never done before. It could be as simple as going on a guided bird-walk or as exciting as taking a glider rider. There were also many happy family vacations to National Parks, Europe, and Korea. In later years, he and Pat traveled to Israel and Australia, as well as, completing their goal of visiting all 50 states. Larry loved cars, word puzzles, card games, sailing, and trail walks with Pat. An avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, he especially enjoyed the games he shared with Joy. 

In addition to his wife, Patricia, daughter Joy and her husband Joseph Rust of Westfield, Indiana; daughter Lynne and her husband, Eric Weiss of Harrisville, New Hampshire; and granddaughters Rebecca and Eleanor Rust; Larry is survived by his sisters, Barbara Heidel of Mill Creek, Washington; Nan Graves of York, Maine and Sue (Walter) Brown of Freedom, New Hampshire, as well as his nephews and nieces and very dear friends. He is predeceased by his parents.

Calling hours will be held on January 30th, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in Jellison Funeral Home, 25 Concord Street, Peterborough, NH 03458. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. at All Saints Church, 51 Concord Street, Peterborough, NH 03458. All are invited to a reception in the church hall directly after the service. 

The family wants to thank all the RiverMead staff, especially those who cared for Larry, as well as for them when he was on the Memory Support floor. They couldn’t have asked for kinder or more skilled and sensitive caregivers. Bayada Hospice also provided invaluable help during the last few days of Larry’s life.

If you would like to make a donation in Larry’s name, possibilities include RiverMead Memory Support (please make checks payable to RiverMead, 150 RiverMead Road, Peterborough, NH 03458) and the York Land Trust, 1 Long Neck Marsh Road, York, ME 03909.