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Lawrence Bithell Obituary
1947 - 2025
Swampscott - Lawrence Parker (Larry) Bithell
Larry passed away after a lengthy illness on March 2, 2025. He was the son of the late William and Doris Bithell and had a brother, William Bithell, Jr. Also known as 'Biff', Larry lived in Swampscott for most of his life. Back in the day, he played Big Blue football, and he was an active contributor to many town events.
Larry was a proud ironworker, longtime Harbormaster, Swampscott special police officer and an avid fisherman. He loved scuba diving, riding his Harley-Davidson, the Causeway Restaurant and being on the ocean.
Quite the 'renaissance man', Larry was extremely well-read and could carry on intellectual conversations on a variety of subjects. He also played the piano and enjoyed good music. Larry continued his parents' legacy by generously supporting many college students through a scholarship fund.
Larry was a good friend to many, and he was blessed with lots of loyal and supportive friends. You know who you are.
Larry leaves behind his Leonard family cousins – Kathy (Tony) Gallo, Susan (Jamie) Glowik, Barry (Debby) Leonard and Tom (Mamie) Leonard and their families. "Cousin Larry" will be sorely missed at all the family gatherings. Larry also leaves behind his kidney donor, Diana (John) DiTomaso, and many others who had the good fortune to know him. We will see you on the other side, Larry.
Service Information: A celebration of Larry's life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Bithell
Fran Bruley Doughty
March 15, 2025
Larry was a son to my parents and a brother to all the Bruley girls. He had a big heart and was great fun at our family gatherings. He was loved and will be missed.
Ed Harpin - SHS '65
March 9, 2025
Larry was a good guy with a great sense of humor. He was our sophomore class president!
Tom Leonard (SHS 1965 )
March 9, 2025
Just made aware of his passing. Many memories of Biffy back in the day.
Good guy !
James Coyle
March 8, 2025
Boston Biff, AKA Larry Bithell was truly a renaissance man. My memories go from working `the iron´ with Biff and Dickie Brewer to riding Hogs cross-country with Biff and Duck Demming, AKA the `Wizard´ to one of the best times, touring Swamp Harbor on the 4th of July.
RIP Brother.
Susan Raiche Beevers
March 7, 2025
Larry was truly the very best neighbor anyone could ever ask for. I met Larry when I moved next door and he always looked out for me. We had a lot of wonderful conversations and fun trips to the Tides and the Causeway.
He would drop everything to come over to help me out. A true gem!
Larry, may you rest easy in God´s grace and mercy.
Ed Walshe
March 6, 2025
Sleep well my friend.
Jon Crowell
March 5, 2025
Bob Dobias
March 5, 2025
Our family first became aquainted with Larry when we bought an old boat (our first) and looked for a mooring in Swampscott. He helped us out, gave us info about SYC (we assumed it was an elite club, not a $2.50 a beer club). We got our mooring. Larry's Townie, gruff demeanor hid a very helpful person who certainly was a very effective, (low cost) harbormaster. God rest his soul, condolences to his family.
Bob Struzziero
March 5, 2025
Thanks Larry for getting me my first mooring in Swampscott Harbor. Goodbye my friend.
Bill Hennessey
March 5, 2025
Larry truly was a Swampscott icon. He served the community and Swampscott boaters for thirty years managing everything from the mooring permit system to include safe placement of all boats within the harbor. He helped folks tailoring mooring specifications to specific vessels. Larry and his staff of Assistant Harbormasters performed countless rescues at sea over his decades of service. Larry was extremely active in the Massachusetts Harbormasters´ Association particularly in facilitating training of other harbormasters and assistants from all cities and towns along the north shore from Winthrop to the New Hampshire border. He also developed and oversaw design and construction of two boats both of which are still in service in the town. Following retirement from his Swampscott position, Larry was recruited by the Salem Harbormaster Department where he served for many years until health issues precipitated his ultimate retirement. I believe that Swampscott boaters in particular owe a debt of gratitude to Larry Bithell for his decades outstanding service as Harbormaster. May you
rest in peace dear friend.
Patrick Kearney
March 5, 2025
I met Larry 45 years ago.
Biff and me and the stiffs had more fun and good times over the years and he was more like a big brother than anything else. Love you Biff. RIP ol friend.
John Kennedy Serven
March 5, 2025
RIP Larry, Buffy
Remembering your gatherings every summer during the 70s -80s that you put on for the group of special needs kids down on Fisherman´s beach during the hot Summers.
The pride you took on to be a Tradesman. The interesting conversations we shared, the personal interest that you took concerning our beloved Fisherman´s beach and the Town of Swampscott through the years. Your grumpy demeanor hiding your beautiful heart and knowledge which always shined through.
God Bless you my friend
John Serven
Jamie G
March 5, 2025
I will have a lemon meringue pie just for you brother! RIP Jamie
Dick Deming
March 5, 2025
I met Larry in 1970 when we were both at the beginning of our iron working careers. Not only did we work together on countless projects, after retiring, we went on many motorcycle trips together. Too many wonderful memories. RIP
Steve Castinetti
March 5, 2025
Larry was a great friend when I lived in Swampscott years ago. As his Assistant Harbormaster, we spent a lot of time together, both on and off the job. I was his best man when he got married and we were more like brothers than friends. Thanks for all the great memories, my friend Rest in peace, Larry until we meet again.
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