Lawrence Anthony Marzetti

Lawrence Anthony Marzetti, 81, of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on August 17, 2025, surrounded by his family. Larry was diagnosed with glioblastoma in April 2021 and, through sheer force of will and determination, far outlived his initial prognosis.

Born on February 17, 1944, in Washington, D.C., to Lawrence and Josephine Marzetti, he was the younger brother of Loretta and older brother to Joseph, Philip, and Alfred. Larry was a lifelong resident of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Diane; children Christopher (Shelley), Lisa Broyhill (Joel), Matthew (Maren); six grandchildren, Nicholas, Jacob, Madison, Michaela, Alexandra, and Hadyn; and siblings, Joseph (Rose) and Alfred (Barbara). His parents, siblings Loretta and Philip, and nephew David predeceased Larry.

Larry was always a winner, both in his personal life, career, and sports. He attended Archbishop Carroll High School, where he was the starting quarterback for three years. In 1960, he led Carroll to an undefeated 10-0 season and a Washington, D.C. Championship title victory over perennial powerhouse Eastern at Griffith Stadium. He earned All-Metropolitan honors in his senior year and was a three-year starter on Carroll’s baseball team with a cumulative .375 batting average. Larry then went on to Boston College on a football scholarship, where he made history with a “fairy tale” ending against national power Syracuse in 1964. BC had the ball on its 45-yard line, the game tied at 14, 4th down and 12 seconds remaining. Despite being told to take a knee to preserve the tie, Larry instead rolled out and threw a Hail Mary to beat Syracuse 21-14.

Larry later declined a contract offer from the Washington Redskins to attend Georgetown Law Center. Larry continued to win championships in law school and Bar Association touch football leagues. Shortly after passing the Maryland Bar, he established a successful general law practice in Oxon Hill, MD. He coached multiple sports in neighborhood youth leagues, and volunteered in his community. When he could no longer play football and softball, Larry became an active member of Mount Vernon Country Club and quickly excelled at golf.

Larry was known for his positivity, upbeat nature, and cheerful demeanor, but also for his persistence (as he would call it) when needed. He was generous to a fault, always willing to give anyone in need the shirt off his back. Family was everything to him, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

His family is planning a Celebration of Life around his birthday in February 2026. Details to follow.

If you’d like to honor Larry, the family would be grateful for donations to these charities, both near and dear to the family:

American Brain Tumor Association (https://www.abta.org/), or

The David L. Marzetti Memorial Music Trust Fund (http://www.davidmarzettimusictrust.com/), in memory of Larry’s nephew.