Published in the July 10, 2015
DANVERS — Lawrence H. “Larry” Levenson, 87, passed away at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on July 2.
Larry was born in Everett on July 5, 1927 to the late Sam and Sadie (Altman)
Levenson. He was raised in Malden but he left high school at the age of 17 to join the U.S. Navy. Mr. Levenson served his country with pride in the U.S. Navy during World War II. As a talented musician, he joined the Malden Drum and Bugle and became an excellent percussionist. He continued to playing in the U.S. Navy band and after his return from the war, he became a Big Band and Swing music drummer. Larry could also play the piano, trumpet, banjo and harmonica. Mr. Levenson was proud to have “sat in” and played for Kate Smith during the war and was lucky enough to meet Louie Armstrong at his back stage dressing room.
Larry worked as a mechanical designer, starting out at the Boston Naval Shipyard and then at Electric Boat in Connecticut, where he worked on the Nautilus and Sea Wolf submarines. He continued his work at Stone and Webster, Badger and at Polaroid. Mr. Levenson has been a resident of Melrose for the past 33 years and enjoyed spending this last winter in Fort Myers, Fla.
Lawrence was a people person. He had a large group of friends, a great sense of humor and was a member of the American Legion Post 69 in Malden. Larry was also a “car junkie” and loved old cars whether he was behind the wheel or under the hood using his mechanical talents to fix them.
He was the husband of the late Claire (Robinson) Levenson. He was the father of Edward Levenson of Melrose, Jan Easterwood of Saugus and the late Shelley Lee. He was the grandfather of Rachael Brandano of Wakefield and Thompson D. Easterwood IV of Everett. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and many friends.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose on Wednesday, July 8, which was followed by a funeral service. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s name to the American Lung Association of New England, 460 Totten Pond Rd. #400, Waltham MA 02451. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
