Lawrence F. Retelle Sr.'s Obituary
Lawrence “Larry” F. Retelle passed away peacefully at the High Pointe House surrounded by his loving family. He joined his wife, “Dee” Marie (Levesque), his grandson Little Tony, and other loving family members in heaven. Larry is survived by his 9 children, 11 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.
Larry was born on January 24, 1931, in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He was the son of the late Lawrence Retelle and Clara (Huard). Larry grew up in North Lawrence with his two sisters, Theresa and Lydia. He attended Saint Ann’s grammar school. He joined the US Army before graduating from high school and was stationed in Germany post WW2. In his later years, Larry enjoyed sharing many of his army stories. After his honorable discharge from the army, he married Dee on June 6th, 1952; they raised their 9 children in North Lawrence. Their marriage lasted over 72 years until Dee’s passing 2025.
Larry worked as a welder at Craig Systems for 10 years and then went on to becoming a Lawrence firefighter for 33 years, the Oldest Firefighter in Lawrence. He was the ladder tillerman for many of those years, swinging the back of the firetruck around corners. In addition to his full-time jobs, Larry always worked a few part-time jobs to support his family. He was a proud lifelong learner which motivated him to obtain his GED when he was 45 years old. Also, Larry was a self-taught “do it yourself” home repairman. Growing up during the depression he learned to be frugal and was always looking for a bargain.
Larry and Dee and their nine children began camping in the New Hampshire mountains in the 1960s. This was the beginning of the Retelle journeys. Eventually the grandchildren joined the adventures, so they upgraded to trailers and longer trips. Additionally, Larry and Dee traveled across the country to California, Florida and many other states. They eventually traveled around the world, including Japan, China, Germany, Austria, Scotland, Iceland, Italy, Panama, and Antigua. Their adventurous spirit lives on in their children.
Larry was very proud of his children. He would often share his children’s successes with anyone who would listen! He also added his stories about his grandchildren. Larry was a hardworking and generous father who loved his family deeply. He would devote many hours to assist his children lit with their home projects. Larry loved family get-togethers and truly knew how to have a good time often stating, “a good time was had by all.” He was a true Patriot fan and spent many Sundays at one of his children’s homes enjoying the games, some good food and a cold beer.
Larry moved to Marguerite House in Lawrence last August. It was his home where he spent several wonderful months. The family would like to thank the staff at Marguerite House for welcoming, respecting, and caring for him. In particular, thanks to Stacey and Jackie. Larry spent his last days at High Pointe House in Haverhill, MA. We thank the staff for their care and attention.
A deep void has been left that will be impossible to fill. Thankfully the relationships and experiences we have all shared with him will keep him with us forever. Dad would say, “Not bad for an old buck.” We love you, Dad.
Larry is predeceased by his wife Dolores, his grandson Anthony, his two sisters Theresa and Lydia. Larry is survived by his 9 children Patrice Kobrenski and her husband John (Methuen, MA) Daniel Retelle (North Andover, MA), Alan Retelle (Londonderry, NH) Audrey Retelle and her husband Nick Kletti (Haverhill, MA), Ellen Retelle and her partner Judith Rosenberg (Avon, CT), Denise Retelle and her partner Brian Crosby (Seabrook, NH), Lawrence Retelle Jr. and his wife Patricia (Seabrook, NH), Justine Coperine and her husband Tom (Haverhill), and Joanne Dumais and her husband Gerry (Dracut). Larry is survived by his grandchildren: Patrick, Elizabeth, AJ, Jeffrey, Matthew, Olivia, Kristina, Adrienne, Nicole, and Andrew and his great-grandchildren: Claire, Gwenyth, Benjamin, Julianna, Hadley, Nora, Cooper, Vivienne, and Cienna. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, April 6th, 2026 from 10:00 to 12:00 at the Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. His service will be held at 12:00 pm in the funeral home and burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Andover, MA. For online condolences and other information please visit us at https://www.breenfuneralhome.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Lawrence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lawrence?
Share a story where Lawrence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lawrence you’ll never forget.
How did Lawrence make you smile?
