Lawrence Bielen

Lawrence "Larry" Bielen passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025, at the age of 79, at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends.

Larry is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Joan (Marfiak); his daughter, Jennifer, and her significant other, Roger; and his cherished grandchildren: David, Michael, Thomas, Maria, and John. He is also survived by his siblings: Barbara Keough, Loretta Bayers, Deborah Edwards, and William Bielen. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Helen (Fodor), as well as his infant son, Thomas.

Born on February 12, 1945, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Larry grew up in Stratford. His childhood was filled with fond memories of playing with friends in the neighborhood and at Boothe Memorial Park. A graduate of Bunnell High School, Larry went on to serve his country with distinction in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1973. Excelling at Nuclear Power School in Idaho Falls, he graduated near the top of his class and was subsequently assigned to the USS Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN-600), where he served as a First Class Petty Officer and Reactor Operator.

After his military service, Larry enjoyed a long and successful career with Combustion Engineering and its successor companies. He retired in 2007 as a Production Control Supervisor at Westinghouse's Electro-Mechanics division in New Britain, Connecticut.

Larry found immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren. Whether working together in his basement workshop or gardening outdoors, he treasured every moment with them. Maria held a special place in his heart as his "pumpkin."

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, January 14, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bassinger & Dowd Funeral Home in East Windsor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 15, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine Church in Broad Brook, followed by interment at St. Catherine Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The UConn Foundation, memo line: 0023754 Aphasia Program Fund for Larry Bielen and send to: The UConn Foundation, Inc. Attn: Data Services Alumni Dr., Unit Storrs, CT 06269-3206.

For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.