Lawrence "Larry" Reynolds Pugh, 82
NAPLES, Fla. - Lawrence "Larry" Reynolds Pugh, of Naples, Fla. and Falmouth, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, of respiratory failure. He was 82. His wife of 59 years, Jean Van Curan Pugh, and his two daughters Deborah Pugh Kelton and Diane Pugh Esecson were at his side. Born in White Plains, N.Y., to Howard and Marjorie Slosson Pugh, he was a proud and active alumni of Salisbury School and Colby College, and a U.S. Army veteran.
Larry served as CEO and Chairman of VF Corporation, an apparel manufacturing company, whose brands include Wrangler, Lee Jeans, and Vanity Fair. During his tenure he grew sales tenfold, making VF the largest publicly-held clothing company. He also served as president of Samsonite Luggage, director of Black & Decker, and chairman of UNUM.
Colby College remained an integral part of Larry's life. He was a life trustee there, serving on the board for over 30 years, including eight years as chairman. His commitment to Colby will live on through his wife, one daughter, and two grandsons, all Colby alumni.
In his "retirement," he devoted his time and leadership to the boards of multiple community and educational institutions, serving as chairman of the Alfond Scholarship Fund, Portland Museum of Art, Reading Hospital, US Biathlon Olympic committee, and board member of Maine Medical Center. He additionally served on the boards of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (vice chairman), Artis-Naples board, Naples United Church of Christ (deacon), and Boys & Girls club of Collier County. Larry was also the recipient of numerous awards including two honorary doctorates.
Larry loved the game of golf, and sharing it with his friends and family. He was fortunate to spend the last week of his life on the course with his wife, daughters and grandsons. He was a proud member of Augusta National Golf Club, Portland Country Club, The Club at Pelican Bay (where he was formerly chairman), Boothbay Harbor Country Club, and Royal Poinciana Golf Club.
Larry is survived by his wife, Jean Pugh; his two daughters, Deborah Pugh Kelton and her husband Bill, of Maine, and Diane Pugh Esecson and her husband Matt, of Hawaii. He also adored his four grandsons, Tucker Kelton, Josh Kelton, Austin Esecson, and Kyle Esecson.
There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, at the Naples United Church of Christ. A reception will follow immediately at the Club of Pelican Bay.
Online condolences may be made by visiting: www.fullernaples.com

In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to
Naples United Church of Christ
Music Endowment Fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram from Dec. 5 to Dec. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Pugh

Sponsored by Fuller Cremation Center.

19 Entries

Jared Taylor

January 2, 2016

I had the privilege of sitting down with Mr. Pugh during the summer before my sophomore year in college. It was great to be able to ask him questions about his time at VF corporation and his career in general. Our conversation was brief, but I was able to learn so much during that time. My condolences go out to all that knew Mr. Pugh. Rest in peace.

Gail Fry

December 12, 2015

So sorry for your loss

Jack & Jane Sears

December 8, 2015

We were saddened to read of the death of Debbie's dad. Pleas accept our sincerest sympathies.

December 8, 2015

So sorry to hear about Larry. What a good long life he enjoyed. Many cannot say the same. He was especially strong. Ps. 90:10

Barbara Conant-Townsend

December 7, 2015

Jean and Family, I was very sorry to read of Larry's passing. In reading his obituary it was obvious what a compassionate and caring person he was. I did not know him well personally, but have known your family my whole life. It is wonderful that you have your family to help support you thru these trying times.

Dick & Jeanne Campbell

December 7, 2015

Dear Jean and Family,
We knew Larry from undergraduate days at Colby,his long tenure as trustee there, and through his board position at Black & Decker. His leadership skills and initiatives were inspirational in his many involvements.He will long be remembered for all his contributions.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult times.

December 7, 2015

Joyce and I feel so fortunate to have known Larry .He obviously was a unique person and his loss is going to be felt for a long time. Best wishes to you and your family. Pete and Joyce .

December 6, 2015

Dear Jean and family
Larry was a great friend over the last 20 years through Augusta National. We were both "class of '96" and shared many golf rounds and Masters with our families. It was a blessing to see you all together over Thanksgiving at Augusta.
Larry lived a wonderful life and had good values and friends.
With Love Don & Nancy Remey,Jupiter FL

Dan and Sue Mac Farlan

December 6, 2015

Dear Jean,
Sue and my hearts are very heavy today So sad to lose Larry, a great man and a good friend. I was lucky to work with Larry when his business instincts,passion,and competitive fire were at their peak, what a great opportunity to learn from him and benefit from his leadership! We were even more fortunate that you guys took a personal interest in our family. We benefited greatly from that and will never forget the help given, good times, and lessons learned.
Our hearts and prayers are with you and the entire
family, you all were the center and most important things in his life
Dan and Sue MacFarlan

December 5, 2015

Thank you for your service.

Joyce McPhetres

December 5, 2015

Jean,

My love and prayers are with you. You both were so very special, loving people and a couple who lived in love and partnership. I am holding you and yours in the light.

Steve & Jane Akin

December 5, 2015

Dear Jean & family,
We were so saddened to learn of Larry's passing. He has been very kind to our family as we move to Naples. He did a marvelous job many years ago predicting our future home location and encouraging our family well before we had any plans! He has been an inspiring leader on the Harold Alfond Foundation Board and as Chairman of the Alfond Scholarship Fund. He added grace, intelligence, good humor, insightful judgement, and generosity to all that he did. We will miss him and wish the very best to his family.

Susan and Clifford Gilpin

December 5, 2015

We are glad we became Larry and Jean's neighbors in Falmouth a few years ago. We felt honored that they chose to move here, and we are sorry to hear that Larry died. His story of how the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden began continues to inspire us. He has done a lot of good in the world, not only publicly but also privately. We will miss him.

Laure Sterling

December 5, 2015

Words cannot express our sadness about losing Larry before his time. Bro and I send our deepest condolences, love and support to Jean and the entire family. His loss will be felt far and wide.

Bruce and Chris Carlson

December 5, 2015

Larry was a wonderful friend to so many, including us. We were so saddened to hear of his passing. Thoughts and prayers to Jean and family.

Charlie Berry

December 5, 2015

From the Class of 1951 at Salisbury, our class President may you have eternal rest. We will miss you at this Spring's Reunion.
Charlie Berry
Naples

December 5, 2015

Larry may you rest in peace. It was my pleasure to have known you. Our prayers go out to your family to comfort them through these difficult times.
Your friends from the Club,
Ron and Clara Marks

paul delorey

December 5, 2015

Dear Jean and family
I was one of the lucky ones who got to work for Larry during my years at VF. He was someone I always looked up to and never wanted to let down. He was a great boss and the perfect example of what a leader should be.
I'll never forget him
Paul Delorey

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