Laurance 'Larry' Foley

Laurance ‘Larry’ Foley 93, died on December 27, 2020, leaving this earth with a legacy to be admired. His children and grandchildren will never forget his commitment to optimism no matter the circumstances. His bright smile and jolly demeanor were always present to his kin and strangers alike. He was truly a prince of a guy, a model of Christ’s empathy and a pursuer of all that is good. One could not leave a conversation with Larry without feeling better about the world in which we live, no matter the issues at hand. We know that this magnificent light will continue to shine bright in Heaven.

Born September 6, 1927 in Albany, NY, the son of Edward and Mary (Minihan) Foley, Larry attended PS16 Milne High School and graduated from Albany Boys Academy in 1945. Following his US Navy service, he entered Union College, graduating in 1951, and returned later to receive a master of science degree in industrial administration.

Larry married Jeanne Coakley, Albany's 1st tulip Queen in 1951. Their long, blessed life together of 64 years began with nuptials provided by a missionary priest in the territory of Alaska. Two adventurous years later, they returned to Albany with their 1st born, Sharon Grier. The following five years brought four more children, Kathleen Van Dyke, Timothy, Colleen and Michael, while Larry worked at Behr Manning, later known as Norton Co., as a computer pioneer in the nascent field of information technology. His career took the family to locations too numerous to list, due to his eclectic 40-year career in abrasives and electronics manufacturing, computer consulting, publisher, professor, public utilities, biotechnology, and construction consulting.

In 1992, Larry and Jeanne settled in Dublin, NH with their retirement years further enriched by grandchildren and great grandchildren. Even though his 9 to 5 days were over, Larry continued to pursue knowledge with the dedication of a high honor student studying for the SATs. Current publications of science, mathematics, and politics cluttered his living room and always gave good reason to spark a discussion with a visitor. The possibilities seemed endless as his voice rang with the energy of new discovery and his eyes sparkled with wonder.

Larry will affectionately be remembered by people who developed relationships with him, talking, sharing stories, enjoying his welcoming smile and kind, gentlemanly ways, his humor and the spark he added to their lives. He was the last of a very special generation and they will always hold him dear to their hearts

At Larry’s request there will be no calling hours or services at this time.

Graveside Committal Services will be held on July 17, 2021 at 11:00 AM in Saint Peter Cemetery on High Street in Peterborough. A celebration of life and reception will begin at 3:00 PM at the Cathedral of the Pines, 10 Hale Hill Road in Rindge, and will be announced.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s name to the Cathedral of the Pines, 10 Hale Hill Road, Rindge, NH 03461