Lawrence Fraser
East Haddam — Lawrence Fraser, a resident of Moodus, passed away comfortably Feb. 22, 2023, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, New London. He was 90 years young. Larry was born in New London, Aug. 1, 1932, and grew up in the Flanders section of East Lyme.
He attended Chapman Tech High School in New London, and left to serve in combat as a U.S. Marine rifleman, and on the aircraft carrier USS Leyte during the Korean War. After his military discharge, he returned to Connecticut and married Jacqueline Bourgault on July 18, 1953. Together, they raised three beautiful girls in Uncasville, then East Lyme. Larry was married a second time to Marilyn Miller on May 6, 1984. Upon returning from the service, Larry trained as an electrician, taking classes and earning a degree from Three Rivers Community College. After 40 years, he retired from Northeast Utilities as an electrical field supervisor.
He became a runner, completing a marathon at the age of 50. He loved the outdoors and traveling, camping across the country, serving as a camp host. He was an avid kayaker and he could be found many days paddling on the Connecticut River. He enjoyed hiking and loved walking with his huge Weimaraner, Blue. Larry loved golf, and in his 88th year, he walked 18 holes on 60 consecutive days. He en joyed reading, mornings with National Public Radio, a good documentary, cheering on the Red Sox and UConn women’s basketball. He was active in his church, the First Church of Christ in East Haddam, and volunteered with its “Monday Morning Crew.”
Larry is survived by daughters, Cheryl Fitzhugh (husband Mike) of Colorado, Patty Fraser and Nancy Shepard (husband Derek), both of Waterford; and stepdaughter Michele Turner of East Lyme. He was affectionately known as “Pa” to his surviving grandchildren: Lucas Gilger, Travis Senick, Jillian and Abby Shepard and Acadia Cutschall; his great-grandchildren are Oliver and Caelan Gilger. He is also survived by his close siblings, brother Wayne Fraser (wife Pat) and sister Linda Sutherland, both of East Lyme; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Larry was predeceased by parents, Lawrence and Helen Fraser; stepmother Doris Fraser; wife Marilyn; younger brother Terry and his wife Peggy; stepdaughter Francelle Bourgault-Zajac; and granddaughter Danielle Senick.
A service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at Flanders Baptist Church, followed by a gathering at Langley’s Restaurant at the Great Neck Country Club in Waterford. Larry was the finest man you would ever want to know. He remained lucid, engaged and tech savvy until the end. He will be sorely missed by his friends and loved ones.
“Semper Fi, Larry; we will love you and will carry your memory in our hearts always.” In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Danielle Senick Memorial Fund, c/o Liberty Bank 165 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT 06385, assisting other families with visually impaired children.
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