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BORN
1932
DIED
2025
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William Larson Obituary
1932 - 2025
William Everett "Bill" Larson, 93, passed from this earth on April 28, 2025. He was born February 7, 1932, to Charles W. and Elsie O. (Nelson) Larson. Bill was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Evelyn "Bebe" (Hubbard) Larson, the light of his life. A lifetime resident of Portland, Bill grew up on his family's dairy farm, eventually running it as a young man and making several national milk production records. As a boy he enjoyed being part of the local 4H club. He was proud of his agricultural heritage and his link to the land.
Bill and Bebe married in 1959. They raised their two daughters and ran their greenhouse/garden center business, Wheeler Farm Gardens, together, square danced, and traveled the U.S. in their motorhome. Bill loved singing, had a melodic tenor voice, and sang "O Holy Night" each Christmas Eve at First Congregational Church where he was a member of the choir and the diaconate. Fishing was a lifelong passion, and he was also a devoted UConn women's basketball fan. Bill could strike up a conversation with almost anyone and had a great sense of humor. His personal code was to work hard and be friendly to everyone.
Bill was predeceased by his brothers Charles J., Robert E., and Harold R. Larson. He is survived by his daughters Elizabeth J. and Kristin L. Larson, his grandchildren, Sarah E. and Michael W. Cavanaugh, and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, August 1, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 554 Main Street, Portland, CT. Donations in Bill's honor may be made to the First Congregational Church of Portland or the Portland Historical Society.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Larson
Sponsored by MiddletownPress.com.
Alex Chamis
July 30, 2025
To the Larson familyI was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Larson. Back in the early to mid 60´s I was one of a handful of young Portland teenagers that had the privilege of working for Mr. Larson bailing hay and other farm duties at his dairy farm,under his watchful eye. He taught us the importance of dairy farm work and made the work enjoyable. He was very generous with the wages he paid us. I recall his wife coming out to the fields and bringing us delicious snacks and ice tea during our breaks. Thank you Mr Larson for providing me with a job and more importantly a life learning experience.
Barry Hultman
July 26, 2025
I want to offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones for Bill's passing.
I loved going to the dairy farm when I was a kid. RIP Bill.
Terry Strubell
July 25, 2025
Very sad Bill has passed. The Strubell's remember him with warm hearts.
Bob S.
July 25, 2025
Sincere condolences to the Larson family. It was a great honor to have known Bill and Beebe. They ran around the nursery like 30 year olds , not long ago. Their alpine geranium baskets and Japanese garden were works of art .
Barbara Monarca
July 25, 2025
So sorry to hear the news if Bill´s passing. I worked for him and Beebe at Wheeler Farm Gardens for six years. Always a pleasure to come into work and listen to the many stories Bill shared with us. He taught me so many tricks of the trade that I will be
Forever grateful for, I´m happy to say he made me the great gardener I am today. My prayers and thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
Barbara Monarca
Sam Spencer
July 25, 2025
Had many nice chats with Bill when I worked at the Middletown Press.
I´ll never forget his flowering balcony alpine geraniums of Europe. We talked about the Tea Garden and chocolates.
Godspeed Bill. My condolences to your family.
Brian J Perruccio
July 25, 2025
Elizabeth & Kristin, So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He was a great man and a staple of Portland, CT. Your father gave me my first paying job at age 15, helping around Wheeler Farm Gardens. He taught me a lot about hard work and dedication. Your parents trusted me to water all the greenhouses one weekend when they went away to attend one of your college graduations. It meant so much to me as a young man to be left with that responsibility. I will never forget your dad's singing voice as he meandered around the property at Wheelers. May you both find peace in all the wonderful memories you have of your dad. God Bless you both.
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Portland Memorial Funeral Home231 Main St PO Box 168, Portland, CT 06480
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