Lawrence S. Farina (Retired MSgt)

Lawrence S. Farina (Larry) formally of North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday April 2, 2020 in Riverside NJ. He was 82.

Though he was a notorious jokester and a master storyteller, Larry also had a powerful ear.  After a few minutes of listening he could dole out some needed advice. Many sought his wisdom.  But first and foremost he was a family man.  And when he got away you’d usually find him on the boat with rod in hand, fishing down in North Carolina salt and fresh water or traveling the country with his wife and sometimes with their grandchildren in their RV.

What he lacked in cooking skills other than the grill he made up for in eating. He had an enormous sweet tooth. If his T.V. was on he’d be watching the news, NCIS, history channel and old shows. He had a passion for Big Band, instrumental and the oldies. He proudly served our nation in the United States Marine Corp. for 21 years. He also received many honorable medals/ribbons. Larry served two tours in Vietnam and was proud to protect our country alongside the many men of the different branches of the military.  He’d retire from the Marine Corp in 1975, with many honors. He became an electrician after his retirement from the Marine Corp. While working for the Civil Service as an electrician he was able to live a few years in Iceland with his loving wife Terry. They arranged for their daughters and families to visit while they were there.  He then retired in 1996 as an electrical inspector for the Department of Civil Service.

Not only was he a hero for his country, but a hero in his daughters eyes.

Lawrence is survived by his daughters: Debbie (Mark) Griffin, Sharon Farina, Lisa (Robert “Turd Bird”) Shaw, Betty (Donald) Walsh, Pamela Luthman, grandchildren: Gary, Kimberly, Tim, Clarissa, Brittany, Carson, Jamie, Joey, Jason, and Jonathan, many great-grandchildren, sister: Lonnie (Ken) Howlett, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  And his dog, Precious who has since crossed over the rainbow bridge on July 17, 2023.

He was predeceased by his loving wife: Theresa Farina, his father: Samuel J (Anna) Farina, mother: Margaret Farina, sister: Alberta “Bert” Messick, grandson: Harry “Ernie” Bryan III

A graveside service will be held on October 11, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery,110 Montford Point Road, Jacksonville, NC 28541.