Lawrence "Larry" Francis McCartin

It is with great sadness that the family of Lawrence “Larry” Francis McCartin announce his passing. Larry, who was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on August 15, 1945, which was “VJ Day” (Victory over Japan), currently lived in Grants, New Mexico, and passed away on September 5, 2024 at the age of 79. Larry will be sadly missed by the many people whose lives he touched. From the earliest age, beginning as an infant having had two brain surgeries, Larry suffered from innumerable painful health issues across his life which he significantly bore in silence or with humor. Larry was a remarkable soul on this earth who turned his misfortunes into the development of a heart that silently and lovingly reached out to a great many in a life-long effort to relieve others of their personal pain and difficulties. His was a life well-lived. A remarkable man.

His interests were varied across life, beginning with teaching himself Morse Code at approximately age 8 from a set of 45 records (remember those?) in the 1950’s. His childhood home in La Habra Heights, CA was filled with “dit dit dar dars” until he doggedly mastered this skill which led him into a life-long Ham Radio license, and hobby. Professionally, Larry spent many years working in the field of Electrical Wholesale, managing various firms as a V.P. and which developed into his ultimately working to take corporations out of bankruptcy in the Sacramento, CA area. But in his early 50’s he chose to fulfill his greatest professional desire, to become a teacher, at which point he went to college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science from University of New York with certifications in Kindergarten through 12th grade which included a Technology Composite, a Business Composite, and Special Education. He was an accomplished high school teacher in Texas until his retirement.

Larry’s varied interests and accomplishments also included a California Electrical Contractor’s C-10 License, California Apprentice Electrician and Journeyman Electrician, Certification from the Industrial Engineering Society in industrial and commercial lighting, Electrician “A” with McDonnell Douglas in charge of electrical motor generations for phased array radar on Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, Application Engineer for General Electric in Honolulu, HI for application and cost estimation on high voltage switch gear, wiring and industrial lighting, as well as Operation Manager in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Yemen. But one of Larry’s most favorite accomplishments and joys in life was his private pilot’s license which he earned at approximately the age of 25. He flew his own airplane for many years and loved taking friends and family “up” in his plane for them to experience the joy, freedom, and intellectual challenge that flying provided for him.

Larry shared his big heart and his intelligence by contributing to society and his local communities by volunteering in many organizations that focused on bettering children’s lives as well as those protecting battered women and children. He supported Special Education and community support organizations that focused on children with developmental delays, was a volunteer teacher (Math and Reading) at a Juvenile Detention Center, a YMCA Youth Counselor, and a Foster Care volunteer in Texas helping children become more comfortable with their new environment, including activities such as trips to the fire department, library, and tutoring for school projects, and a host of other public services for children. In addition he volunteered as a Poll worker in elections, Board of Director for Grants/Milan Community Airport, Board of Director for Grants/Milan Animal Shelter, Board of Director for Radio Society of Tucson, Volunteer Examiner for the Laurel Amateur Radio Club, National Down Syndrome Society, Rancho Cordova, CA Elks’ “Elk of the Year 1985/1986” for fundraising for blind children, involvement with the First Baptist Church in Grants, NM, and as a Foster Parent.

His hobbies were flying, restoring antique radios, RVing, camping, fishing, traveling, and volunteering. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Margaret McCartin, and his brother James McCartin, Jr. Larry is survived by his three sisters, Kathy Von Bergen of Placerville, CA, Maryellen Easom of Stanley, ID, and Terry McCartin of Berkeley, CA, his niece Courtney von Bergen of Denver, CO and nephew Garrett von Bergen of Sacramento, CA. In addition he leaves his much-loved former foster daughter, Lerayiah “Raya” Jim, and Xavier Abeita, a special young man in his life whom Larry mentored, both of whom lovingly call Larry “Grand-Dad”, which filled Larry’s heart.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Larry McCartin: Thursday, October 10, at 10 AM at the First Baptist Church, 224 Mountain Rd, Grants NM.Following the service, there will be a social gathering and an enchilada luncheon. Please bring your memories of Larry to share with friends and family. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations to which Larry regularly donated: St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Tim Tebow Foundation, and First Baptist Church of Grants, NM.