Richard C. Larsen

Richard C. Larsen, born in Boston Mass. September 10, 1932, passed on August 13, 2021. A longtime resident of Wading River he was pre-deceased by his Father, Justice of the Peace, Erling A. Larsen, his mother Marie, sister Nancy and brother David. He is survived by his wife Maryanna, brother Edward, children Colleen Plantier (Greg), Eric Larsen, Claudia Branker (Ronnie), Rachel Schmidt (Robert), stepchildren Katie Scarbrough (Eric), Robert Harris, and Barbara Gallagher (Robert). Blessings in his life included his grandchildren, Brendan, Logan, Shane, Zachary, Jacob, Austin, Jeb, Wyatt, Chloe, Sean, Sarah, Emily, Rachel and Shane.

Richard’s family moved from place to place, including Boston, Saugerties, and Springfield Gardens before finally settling in Mastic Beach where he was raised with his brothers and sister.  He enjoyed a youth filled with athletics including playing baseball for the Mastic Athletic Club, in the same league as a young Carl Yastrzemski.  

After graduating from Center Moriches High School Richard entered the Navy serving on Navel Aircraft as a Communication Technician.  After returning home to Mastic Beach, he worked for a short time for  Fairchild Guided Missiles Division in Wyandanch, NY.  After about a year Richard was hired at Brookhaven National Laboratory as a member of the Physics Department, eventually working with a research group from Yale University that was doing High Energy Physic Research.  He continued working at BNL for 40 years, retiring in 1995.  Rich kept his hand in the research with the Physics group by doing consulting for several years following his retirement. 

Richard raised four children in Wading River after moving there with his wife Maryann in 1960.  He immediately became involved in the Wading River Fire Department, serving as Fire Commissioner and an EMT.  He coached his son Eric’s Little League Team, was a member of the Wading River (Creek Road) Beach Club, and was active in the Riverhead Republican Club. Richard served on the Riverhead Town Planning Board form 1982-1996, and was appointed to the Suffolk County Zoning Board. He was a member of the “Wading River Fire Ducks”, a slow-pitch softball team and was an avid bowler on several teams associated with the Port Jefferson Bowling Alley. Memories for his children include summer camping trips around the country and Canada, camping on Fire Island and Little Gull Island in Moriches Bay, boating on Long Island Sound, trips to the “lab”, and being taught many practical life skills.

After his divorce he married Maryanna Harris, who was his soulmate. With her he enjoyed a retirement filled with travel, including a trip to his grandparent’s homeland of Norway and trips to visit his brother Eddie and sister-in-law Mimi in Florida.  He continued to enjoy fishing, bowling, cooking, and attending many of his grandchildren’s activities. He was often found in the stands or audience of their events in his trademark hats, suspenders, and loud outfits. Rich spent many happy hours on his beloved sailboat the “Rolig”, crisscrossing the waters of Peconic Bay, venturing to Block Island and Connecticut.  He was an active member of American Legion Harbor Post 417. Richard was a hard worker, a good friend, a loving grandfather and mentor to many, he was lovingly cared for at home during his declining years.  Richard lived a long, fulfilled life and will be missed.

 A Memorial Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Alexander-Rothwell Funeral Home, located at 6447 Route 25A, Wading River, NY. A Mass will take place on Friday, August 20, 2021 at 10 AM at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church in Wading River, NY. Burial will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Little Flower Children’s Services https://littleflowerny.thankyou4caring.org/

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