Larry C. Kirkpatrick

Larry C. Kirkpatrick

Grantham, NH - On Thursday, December 1, 2022, Larry C. Kirkpatrick, of Grantham, NH, a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend passed away at the age of seventy-five. Larry was forever grateful for his 2012 kidney transplant. His donor, Sherry Lewis, of Laconia, NH, gave her life and saved his life. Because of her gift, Larry was given 10 additional years with his family, friends, and colleagues.

A constant learner, Larry earned a bachelor's degree in political science and government from Lowell Technical College and a master's degree in social work from Boston University. After attending Plum High School in Plum Borough, PA, Larry became a novice in the St. Francis Seminary in Andover, MA where he took the name Brother Jerome. As a novice, he sought to deepen his relationship with God, enrich his prayer life, and learn about Franciscan spirituality. At the end of the novitiate year, he professed simple vows. Larry remained in the order for three years.

After marrying Frances Gill, Larry held a number of professions: a Federal police officer, a postal worker, and a long haul truck driver, before becoming a psychotherapist (LCSW) at New London Counseling Associates, while also volunteering at DHMC and serving on the NH/VT Crisis Team. Larry and Frances had three sons, Arthur, Sean, and Kenneth and lived for many years in Lowell, MA.

With an open heart and true curiosity, Larry made friends wherever he went, the grocery store, the dentist, with his clients, and the neighbors. When Larry passed, many people reached out using phrases like, "....a grandfather to me," "....an inspiration to me personally and professionally," ".... just a really good man," "....my mentor and friend," "...such a gentle teddy bear," "....everyone's favorite grandpa, " and "....grateful for his wisdom and insight," ".... I considered a true friend," "my life is so much better because of his wisdom," and "....gave me hope."

Larry found spiritual solace in Thomas Morton's work with his favorites being The Seven Storey Mountain and Dialogues with Silence. He found that it helped him to achieve the peace that comes from accepting God's will and from perfect confidence in Him.

Larry loved history, horror movies, The Twilight Zone, his Harley and truck, Draft horses, growing flowers, fruit trees, and vegetables, camping, "coaching" the Patriots, grilling, baking, hosting holidays, hot dogs and diet Coke. HIs five grandchildren were the loves of his life, even if he could not see them as often as he wanted to, and they held an important place in his heart. Larry was known for his humor, fierce protection of his family and friends, and a generous spirit, always having time for anyone who needed it. He is survived by his wife of 22 years Nancy Parsons; his children Sean, his wife Kara, and their three children Caroline, Declan, and Katherine; his son Kenneth, his wife Tami, and their son Finn; his son David Rappaport and David's daughter, Kailyn; his mother Genevieve Kirkpatrick; his mother-in-law Louise Parsons; and his brothers Dale and Arthur Kirkpatrick and their wives Terry and Karen. Larry is survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, as well as many close lifelong friends, along with his dog, Charlie. He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Kirkpatrick; Frances Gill Kirkpatrick and their infant son, Arthur; and his brother, Douglas Kirkpatrick and his wife, Linda.

The family would like to thank DHMC's Transplant Team and its lead, Dr. Michael Chobian, his primary care physician, Dr. Lisa Pastel, and his ICU nurse Ben Weinhold for the quality of care, support, and love he received during his last days.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Lebanon on the Green with a reception immediately following the service and the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who are able to, please make a donation to the First Congregational Church's Open Door Ministry, which provides gift cards for food, clothing, and shelter to those in need in the Upper Valley. You are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the service for the church's food donations to Headrest of the Upper Valley. And lastly, consider becoming an organ donor to save a life. Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. I John 3:17