L. Lawrence Foote's Obituary
L. Lawrence Foote, known as “Larry”, formerly of So Hamilton, MA, passed away at 74 in his home in Sacramento, CA on Saturday, June 22, 2013 following serious illness. He will be laid to rest with military honors in the Veterans’ Columbarium at Skylawn Memorial Park, San Mateo, overlooking Half Moon Bay and the Pacific Ocean, in a small private service on Wednesday, August 21st.Larry was born to Louis and Ellena Foote in Ipswich, Massachusetts on 13 September 1938. He grew up in nearby S. Hamilton, graduating from Hamilton High School with a small, close group of classmates. He served as an altar boy and sang at St Paul’s Catholic parish in his home town. He held New England close to his heart… the Ipswich River, Crane Beach, Riverview Pizza, and Woodman’s clams in Essex, even when his careers took him far away. His love of horses grew from his Hamilton roots . He owned and trained horses for a number of years. So did his love of cooking, helping in his father’s diner growing up. Larry was known for his superb chowders and often chef’d with friends for special events.Larry entered the army at age 19, training as a Radio Operator at Ft Dix. Two new loves began – Radios (he was a HAM Radio Operator until the day he died) and the Army. During 7+ years in the military, Larry served with the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment , overseas with the 51st Signal Battalion, and in the Pentagon. Later, Larry volunteered at the 3d ACR Museum, then located at Ft Carson, Colorado, and regularly attended special dedications and ceremonies of the Regiment and reunions of the 51st Signal. He also served as an officer in the American Legion and was a member of AUSA. He continued to tinker with antennas and radios, vintage and modern, as well as collecting radio keys for “Charlie Whiskey” (CW).Out of the army, Larry built his career in the budding microelectronics industry as a materials and industrial engineer in technologies for growing silicon, manufacturing silicon wafers for integrated circuits, disc manufacturing for the new computer industry, and solar cells. He was awarded two patents during his career.Larry became active in the yachting community, first as a racing sailor on the SF Bay, then 20 years moving up the chairs as an officer in boating organizations, including 1991 Commodore , San Joaquin Yacht Club, Bethel Island, CA and 2004 International President , International Order of the Blue Gavel (an association of past commodores). He held memberships in Coyote Point and Delta Marina yacht clubs. He loved his cats, “messing around in boats” , fishing, and growing roses on the Sacramento River Delta. Other enthusiasms included tailgating, Raider football, and A’s baseball in the Bay Area.Larry was looked up to as a man of integrity, an outspoken leader, and a mentor by example. His mind was complex , designing, and active. His clothes had a bit of starch and a military press. But he will most be remembered for twinkling clear blue eyes with a hint of mischief and a beaming smile that split his face from ear to ear. Most often a gentleman and down to earth, Larry was at ease and had a contagious, ready laugh that created an engaging, playful warmth with people of all walks of life.Larry is survived by his sister, Patricia and brother, Arthur and their families, his two daughters, Catherine and Sharleen and their families, including 5 grandsons and 5 great-grandchildren, and his two gray kitties-Spook and Little Ghost. He is lovingly remembered by his friends and his partner for 28 years, Carol,, her son Josh, and family.Those wishing to honor Larry in a special way can donate to the: 3d Cavalry Association, and indicate “ in remembrance of Larry Foote”.Mail to: 3d Cavalry Association ATTN: CSM (R) Harvey Reed, 9100 Battalion Ave. Rm 144, Fort Hood, TX 76544 Phone: 915-422-6121Donations can be designated for the 3d Cav Museum passing down history and tradition, or to the Holiday Basket Programs benefitting troopers‘ families in need
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