Lawrence Ronald Pelland

Sadly, on August 27, 2026 Larry passed on from this life onto the next.

Larry was born in Holyoke, MA to Edward and Dorilla Pelland, as one of six children. Born in the Great Depression, Larry learned as a young boy many important life lessons that gave him a sense of personal integrity and responsibility shaping him into the respected, and well-loved man he became. Larry’s “dynamic and winsome ways”, as described by his late dear friend, Louis Kaczmarek, led to everyone being his friend, a trait that also caused Larry to see the best in everyone and admire them in return.

While growing up, in what Larry’s eyes was an idyllic childhood, filled with farming, apple pies, Boy’s Club boxing, baseball and football, hard times were not unknown to him, shaping him in ways God meant just for him. Stories abound of growing up as the son of a local produce supplier. Rising at pre-dawn hours with his brother Ed, they, with their father, left for weekly trips to the produce market at Fanuel Hall in Boston, MA. There young Larry learned the fine art of bidding on crates of the finest produce as professional auctioneers rattled off their rhythmic, repetitive chants. After procuring the best assortment of fruits and vegetables, the day was not done. Once home, processing the produce began…

Larry joined the United States Air Force on April 1, 1953. Later stationed at Bentwaters Air Force Base in the UK, he proudly served as ground support in the famous 512th Fighter Interceptor Squadron which was subsequently awarded the “Hughes Trophy” as the finest Interceptor Squadron at that time. Prior to serving overseas, Larry was named “Division Airman of the Year”. Larry continued to be “Airman of the Year” throughout his life well into his 90’s where he continued to support his Brother Veterans by helping them receive military benefits they deserved and receive honors they would not have otherwise been recognized for. Not to be outdone in generosity, Providence provided Larry, along with his wife, Rita, with the outstanding privilege of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery - an experience Larry was extremely proud to share.

Larry’s passions did not end with people. No matter what Larry did, he did with passion, and that included fly fishing! Larry’s stories of fishing in Canada with his brother, Ed and friends always brought a winsome smile to his face as he told of catching Walleye Perch, a prize game fish native to Canada, and in Larry’s words “the best eating freshwater fish on the planet”. Larry also told of the thrill of landing the “mighty and ferocious great northern pike on light tackle”. Larry and his brother Ed, jokingly called themselves “Olympians of the Waterways!”

Larry’s spiritual life was the overarching impetus for all he did. Receiving Baptism as an infant, learning his prayers at his mother’s knees and learning his Faith in simple, organic ways, Larry grew into a man of integrity and apostolate. One could tell many instances in which Larry applied his love and talents to helping others, but we will mention only a few of his personal favorites. Ever ready to give all to all, Larry joined the Knights of Colombus ready to stand guard in the service of Christ the King. As a Knight, Larry, along with his dear friend, Gerry S., paid honor to Christ’s Queen Mother by providing thousands of pocket rosary rings to anyone who would accept one. Larry was a proud and staunch defender of life from conception to natural death. Again, working alongside his fellow Knight, Gerry, evangelized with the pro-life movement by purchasing and freely offering countless “10-week little feet” pins. Larry strove to make an awareness of the sanctity of life and in the process change hearts and minds. Larry’s apostolate spirit reached beyond the USA where he and his wife, Rita, sponsored a young pre-school aged girl until her 16th year, as prescribed by the missions. This sponsorship not only helped to provide much needed food and clothing but provided an opportunity to bring reciprocal joy in shared letters, small gifts and pictures by adopting this young girl as their spiritual daughter.

The greatest honor Larry received—and the one he treasured most—was the privilege of chairing the visit and escorting 'The Saint of the Gutters,' Mother Teresa of Calcutta. He served in this capacity by invitation of Bishop Joseph Maguire, the Ordinary, and Bishop Leo O’Neil, Auxiliary of the Springfield Diocese, to address thousands at the University of Massachusetts. Larry’s words best describe their first meeting: “I watched the tiny figure of Mother Teresa come down the steps of a jet plane that had just landed at Westover Air Force Base. In that moment, the months of planning, organizing and uncertainty I had experienced to bring her to Western Massachusetts faded into a brief but emotional introduction. “Mother, my name is Larry Pelland.” She replied, ‘Yes, Larry, I know,’ the Nobel Peace Prize winner grinned. She took my hands and squeezed them, and then she bowed in the traditional Indian manner before me. At that point I was overwhelmed and simply had to hug her.”

St Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us!

Again, using the words of an esteemed friend who wrote a testimony of Larry’s character, he was described as “genuinely interested in the welfare of others, he has a strong sense of responsibility, always concerned with delivering what he promised…and demonstrated his admirable passion for helping others through his many volunteer efforts that have benefited organizations and those in need for literally decades”.

Larry leaves behind his wife Rita, his living siblings, Suzanne, Diane and Peter. His children, Larry Jr., Patricia (Trish), Laura, Thomas and Michelle, along with grand and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His legacy of loving faith, and service to God and Country, lives on in all.

We will miss you greatly, Larry.

Relatives and friends are invited to Larry's Funeral Mass on WEDNESDAY, September 9th at 11 AM in St. Kathryn Church, 4 Dracut Road, Hudson, NH. His graveside service and presentation of military honors will be held on WEDNESDAY, September 23rd at 1 PM at the New Hampshire State Veteran Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen. Please arrive at the cemetery by 12:30 PM.