Lawrence Sullivan
July 25, 2023
Born in:
Boston, Massachusettes
Resided in:
Alexandria, Virginia
LAWRENCE SULLIVAN MAJOR GENERAL (RET.) passed away peacefully on July 25, 2023. He was preceded in his passing by his wife and soulmate, Lee of more than 40 years.
A wonderful leader and man who spent his time connecting with beloved neighbors and family. Larry was known for his overwhelmingly positive outlook and neighborly kindness to even complete strangers.
Serving in the United States Marine Corps for 30 plus years was his early calling that enabled him to see the world and be of service to others, earning the nickname of “The People’s General”. During his tenure, Lawrence was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal for exceptionally superior service to the Defense Department, the Bronze Star (with “V”), Navy Commendation Medal (with “V”), Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal with 1 star, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. He retired in 1982 as a Major General.
He is survived by his son, Scott, daughter-in-law, Collins, and his grandson, Sean. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests you consider a donation to Wreaths Across America at: https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/175938
May Lawrence’s legacy of service excellence and kindness to others continue to inspire all of us.
Semper Fidelis
We will miss Larry! We are neighbors from “down the hill” and met when l found him climbing his ladder. Larry was always enthusiastic, kind, friendly and had an impressive memory.
We quickly discovered that we were both BC grads and enjoyed sharing our memories about Boston College.
My children loved to talk to “Mr Larry” when he was out on his long walks with his walking stick and make banana bread for him.
We will miss him!
We will miss Larry! I will think of him every time I pass the house, checking to make sure he hasn’t gotten out the ladder to trim the tree. 🙂 Such a sweet man, I know he is at peace to be with his love once again.
Larry was a blessing in our lives. We loved living next to him while we lived in Alexandria. We enjoyed long conversations in our driveways, walks and lovely dinners celebrating birthdays or a holiday. It is funny that others have mentioned him climbing a ladder to trim his trees or clean his gutters because we first met when I ran to him when I spotted him on a ladder from my window. So independent! In the last few years we have kept in touch by phone. He was truly a wonderful gentleman and will be missed. Rest in Peace, Larry.
I only met Larry once but he left a lasting impression on me as a kind and gentle man. I enjoyed our conversation the day we met and he kept me enthralled with his stories. Rest in peace Larry. I know the Lord will welcome you with open arms.
I was very sorry to learn of my neighbor Larry’s passing. It was always a pleasure to meet him walking or chatting about the neighborhood activities. Beyond his engaging interests in the “Regent” Drive crew, I always found your father to be sharp, knowledgeable and informed. He will be missed by all. Blessing to him!
Dear Scott, Collins and Sean,
Larry became a very important part of my life. My parents and I moved in to the neighborhood in 1970. The Sullivan family, Larry, Lee and Scott moved in a few years later across the street and our history began. Scott and I were a few years apart in age. However, our parents connected because of their military careers. Over the years, Regent Drive had many changes but Larry was a constant. I, too remember him mowing and working in his yard, especially trimming the front cedar on his ladder! (holding my breath he wouldn’t fall); seeing him waving from his front window and running, later walking everywhere and stopping to talk to everyone! Larry will definitely be missed by all because he was one of kind, and had a multi generational personality. From a very young age my daughter, Julie had a special connection with Larry! She couldn’t wait to introduce her son, Silas to him.❤️ Larry would give Julie and Silas cool finds from his regular thrift store shopping.😊
Seven years ago, I moved back into my parents home to help my mom. There were a lot of new neighbors but Larry was still across the street. We became very close and watched out for each other. Many times he would see me outside from his living room window and come over to see what I was doing. He would share great stories, advice and tools with me. Faithfully, he would bring me half a fresh pineapple that was perfectly ripe!!
I was very sad when Larry passed but very grateful for all the wonderful memories. Larry will be missed but never forgotten. It warms my heart to know he is again with his one true love, Lee ❤️
I was General Sullivans driver when he was stationed in Marine Corps logistics base Barstow California. He made a huge impression on my life with his amazing personality. Oftentimes he would sneak out of his back office door so the Aide de camp wouldn’t see him to take a ride around the base. He called me by my first name during these long rides and we would spend hours talking about what I thought the troops would feel about a variety of issues about life at the base. We would spend hours looking at all of the LVTs, Tanks, Jeeps, and other vehicle awaiting rebuild at the Yermo maintenance base. Always wanting to drive across the desert and warning not to get stuck in the sand, it was an old Fury and man did we bounce and slide all over and him smiling all the way!! I knew of his service in Vietnam and while viewing the equipment that were shot up a silence would always come over him, kinda my clue to start the way back to the headquarters building. I sold my Suzuki motorcycle to his son Scott and heard all kinds of stories about how he would ride it and rebuild the engine. I never told him but his Aide would threaten to court marshal me for not notifying him that we left. An FYI for all I never did, I think the General took care of him! God Bless you General and Rest in peace Sir.