Larry P. Love

NEWBURYPORT — Larry Preston Love, age 72, of Newburyport, died early Friday morning, March 12, 2010, at Anna Jacques Hospital in Newburyport due to post operative complications. He was the husband of 50 years to Barbara Ann (Shriver) Love.

Born in New Orleans, July 8, 1937, he was the son of the late Rev. Joe Brown Love and Ruth (Winfield) Love and was a graduate of Kent State University, where he received his degree in engineering.

Mr. Love was raised in Tennessee and in his youth traveled with his parents to various university teaching locations throughout the U.S. While at Kent State University, he met his bride to be and was married on July 16, 1960. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Boston and began raising a family. Moving from Boston to Newburyport in 1977, he raised his family and became a business leader, volunteer and philanthropist within the Newburyport community.

He established his stair business in 1972. For over 37 years, he and his brother and partner, David Love, grew the small business into an international firm employing over 50 local Newburyport personnel at one time. Their company, Atlantic Designworks Inc., is a global manufacturing and design firm ensuring elegant execution of the most innovative and artful stair designs.

Throughout his life, he meant so much to so many. He was a kind-hearted, generous man who was a surrogate father and friend to many. In mind, body and spirit, Larry Love emulated his last name in all that he did throughout life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and gentle teddy bear of a man.

In addition to his loving wife of Newburyport, he is survived by two children, Tracy A. Love of Roswell, Ga. and Major Adam W. Love of Madisonville, La.; two grandchildren, Katelyn Love and Robert Winfield Love; and one brother, David Winfield Love and sister-in-law Elizabeth Love of Scottsdale, Ariz.

A member of the Newburyport Choral Society for more than 20 years, he was also a member of St. John's Lodge, A.F. & A.M., the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and was a former member of the Newburyport Rotary Club.

ARRANGEMENTS: Masonic services, conducted by St. John's Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Newburyport, will be held Thursday at 4 p.m. at Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green St., Newburyport, immediately followed by visiting hours until 7 p.m. and a remembrance gathering at Michael's Harborside after the visiting hours. Additionally, a celebration of life memorial service will be held at the First Parish Church, 10 Central St., Manchester-by-the-Sea on Friday, March 19 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Newburyport Choral Society, P.O. Box 92, Newburyport, MA 01950. A 501C3 Non Profit organization.