Lawrence "Larry" Woodruff Smith

Larry, as he preferred to be called, was born on February 26, 1953 at the Newport Naval Hospital in Rhode Island, to the late Nancy L. Clark and late Capt. H. Woodruff Smith, USN Retired. He passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 2023 in his Hooksett, NH home.

He is survived by his wife of 20+ years, Joy Smith. Larry is also survived by his sister, Lucy Smith Chapman Evoy of Durham, NC; niece, Haley Chapman of Los Angeles, CA; stepchildren, Robert Hammond of Parker, CO and Katie Swartz of Bellefonte, PA; grandchildren, Aiden Hammond and Kylee, Colton and Carter Swartz; as well as many uncles, aunt and cousins.

Larry attended Williston Academy through high school and graduated with the Amherst Regional High School in 1971. He then graduated from Cornell University in 1980 with a BS in Electrical Engineering and went on to earn a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts in 1984.

Larry served honorably in the US Navy on the USS Gato as an Electronics Technician from June 9, 1971 through March 27, 1975. Larry sang in the Navy choir during his tour of duty. He developed acromegaly while enlisted- the beginning of a courageous life of daily medical challenges, navigating the disorder nuances, and as a front-runner of cutting-edge medication treatments under VA care.

Larry’s passion for all-things computer began in the 1980’s when dot-matrix and AOL dialup service were vogue and continued through present day with YouTube videos and photo shop picture editing. Larry also became a real estate guru when he joined the Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Program and worked as a Senior Staff Appraiser for nearly 30 years in addition to holding Real Estate Broker and Mortgage Broker licenses in Florida.

While living in Florida, Larry was active in the local Chamber of Commerce and supported town council concerns. Larry was well known for the two years he served as Exalted Ruler of the Holiday Isles Elk Lodge #1912 in Madeira beach, FL.

Florida living found Captain Larry out on his boat when not at work or on his dock. Of course, the fishing boat was upgraded after marrying First Mate, Joy, to one that not only served as a wonderful fishing vessel but also comfortable for weekend getaways. The boat lift in the backyard made serendipitous trips out to dinner, sunset cruises, dolphin watches and visiting friends very convenient.

Family time at Ragged Lake, located in the northern Adirondacks, was very near and dear to Larry’s heart from youth through his senior years no matter where he lived (MA, FL, NH). He loved the rustic nature of the lake, the woods, the wildlife, the Ostby buildings, and visiting with family while at the lake. He was known around the lake for his endless smile and friendly willing hand in promoting family and corporate relations for everyone’s benefit.

Larry’s merciful and giving nature brought him alongside ailing and recovering family and friends in their times of need. Larry also advocated for Veterans in connecting with their VA benefits and healthcare wherever he lived and wherever he traveled. His worldwide travels included European and Caribbean destinations, cruises and mission trips to Guatemala. Larry had a keen eye for snapping memorable pics of his travels!

Larry loved the Lord and grew closer to Him over the past 25 years. He served as a Lay Shepherd at Church by the Sea in Madeira Beach, FL, a Deacon at First Christian Church of Seminole (FCCS) and facilitated Small Group Bible studies while a member of Pathways Church, FCCS and FaithBridge Church. Larry also enjoyed assisting Joy in coordinating church’s Sunday fellowship hours in Florida, especially as the go-to person for coffee and donuts. And recently, Larry was a man on a mission supporting and assisting with the launch of Fellowship Church-Granite State in Hooksett, NH.

We will miss Larry’s kind, gentle spirit, witty humor and heartwarming smile. Larry will hold a special hug in each of our hearts!

Larry’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, April 16th at the Hooksett Town Hall gym at 2PM with a reception immediately following. He will be laid to rest at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH on Monday, April 17^th at 10AM with a Navy honor guard ceremony.