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.
With great sadness, the family of Lawrence “Larry” Francis McCartin announce his passing. Larry was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on August 15, 1945. He lived in Grants, New Mexico, and passed away on September 5, 2024, at the age of 79. Larry will be missed by many whose lives he touched. Beginning as an infant having had two brain surgeries, Larry suffered from innumerable painful health issues which he bore in silence or with humor. Larry was a remarkable soul who turned his misfortunes into a heart that silently and lovingly reached out to a great many in a life-long effort to relieve others of their personal pain. His was a life well-lived. A remarkable man.
His interests were varied, beginning with teaching himself Morse Code at approximately age 8. This led him into a life-long Ham Radio hobby. Professionally, Larry worked in the field of Electrical Wholesale, working to take corporations out of bankruptcy. In his early 50’s he chose to become a teacher, his greatest professional desire, with certifications in Kindergarten through 12th grade in Technology, Business, and Special Education. He was an accomplished high school teacher in Texas until his retirement.
Larry shared his big heart and intelligence. He volunteered in many organizations focusing on bettering children’s lives and protecting battered women and children. He volunteered as a teacher at a Juvenile Detention Center, a YMCA Youth Counselor, and a host of other public services. He was a poll worker. He served as a director on boards of the Grants Airport, Grants Animal Shelter, Radio Society of Tucson. He also volunteered with the Laurel Amateur Radio Club, National Down Syndrome Society and was “Elk of the Year 1985/1986” for fundraising for blind children. He attended the First Baptist Church in Grants, NM.
He was a proud Foster Parent. He leaves his much-loved foster daughter, Lerayiah “Raya” Jim, and Xavier Abeita, a special young man in his life whom Larry mentored. Both lovingly called Larry “Grand-Dad”, filling Larry’s heart.