Lanny Lee Larason

1939 - 2023

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Lanny Lee Larason, the esteemed Boston sportscaster and television host known professionally as Tom Larson. Larason, who touched the lives of many with his charismatic presence, knowledge, and professionalism, departed this world on November 22 in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he had made his home in recent years.

Born and raised in Webster Groves, Missouri, as a senior in high school, he was named to the St. Louis All-District basketball team. He is enshrined in the Webster Groves Statesman Sports Hall of Fame.

Larason's journey into broadcasting began in 1960 while a Westminster College junior. During this time, he adopted the name "Tom Larson." His early radio career took him through Bloomington and Peoria in Illinois and then into television in Lansing, Michigan, where he honed his skills and laid the foundation for a remarkable career.

In 1969, Larason's path led him to Boston when he was hired by WSBK-TV 38 as the station's Public Affairs Director, where he introduced himself to Bostonians. As the host of a daily talk show, The Tom Larson Show, he talked to politicians, authors, athletes, and artists. As the face of pre and post-game shows for the Bruins and Red Sox, Larason became a fixture in the hearts of Boston hockey and baseball fans and broadcasting events for Boston College, the Boston Marathon, and other New England sports. He was particularly fond of his Mini One-on-One broadcasts of youth hockey and his work with high school sports.

His contributions to Boston sports were further recognized in 1983 when Boston Magazine named him the Best Sportscaster in the city. From 1981 to 1988, Tom Larson was the sports director at WHDH radio, delivering sports reports on The Jess Cain show.

In 1986, Larason joined the New England Sports Network (NESN), where he continued to leave an indelible mark. Larason's versatility and professionalism shone through as the studio host for Red Sox and Bruins games, a writer, producer, and reporter for Front Row, and a play-by-play announcer for college and high school sports.

A man of his word, Larason kept a promise made in 1981 to shave his beard when the Bruins won the Stanley Cup. He kept his beard for decades as the Bruins went on a long Stanley Cup dry spell. Then, true to his word, he fulfilled that promise 30 years later after the Bruins emerged victorious in the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals against the Vancouver Canucks.

Lanny loved his time in the wilderness, particularly canoeing in the Boundry Waters of Northern Minnesota. He was an avid reader with a particular interest in American history.

Larason's illustrious broadcasting career ended in 2007 upon his retirement, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.

A proud father of five, he is survived by his children, Robyn Hanna, Jeff Larason, Michael Larason, Tommy Larason, VyVy Larason, his three grandchildren, his sister Shari Larason Forsythe and his beloved companion Micki Costello.

In remembrance of Lanny "Tom Larson" Larason, let us celebrate the life of a man who brought joy and excitement to Boston sports fans and whose impact on the Boston sports scene is etched in the annals of Boston broadcasting and sports history.