Larry E LeForte

Larry Edwin LeForte, 91, of Mesa and Wilhoit passed away peacefully May 4, 2025, at the home of his son, with family members at his side. He was preceded by the passing Regina Marie LeForte in 2014 after 57 wonderful years together, Now, once again, they are together.
Larry was born on October 10, 1933, in La Harpe, Illinois to Edwin and Pauline (Olson) LeForte, and as a boy spent much of childhood on the family farms in Dallas City, Illinois. Later, they relocated to Greenbelt, Maryland when his father began working for the U.S. Treasury.
After graduating high school with the urge for adventure and travel, he joined the Navy on May 6, 1953, and served until his retirement on June 8, 1972. His career in the Navy saw him in many distinct roles. His first assignment was to the Philadelphia Shipyard, he then served on the USS Hyman, USS Miller, USS Nereus where he received a letter of commendation from the Commander Submarine Flotilla One. He then spent time at the Naval Air Facility Litchfield Park before joining the crew of the USS Alamo. The Alamo would be his final assignment and spent much of that time supporting Marines in Vietnam. He retired from the Navy on June 8, 1972. His awards included, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Star and Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Lebanon) and Navy Occupations Service Medal and RVN Armed forces Meritorious Citation (Gallantry Cross).
Having complete his naval career, the quest for adventure did not end there, and five days later he moved his family, dog and kids to the small community of Wilhoit in an old 1950 Ford truck and Toyota across the Mohave desert in the middle of summer. At the time there were only 9 people living there, and the family of 4 almost doubled the population. His decision to move there was to get as far away from the sea as he could. Once things were settled, he began the next chapter of his life by becoming the painter at the Arizona Pioneers Home in Prescott, AZ. There he would work another 20 years before retiring as the maintenance supervisor.
His life was filled with adventures, projects and helping others. In July of 1977 he was one of the founding members of the fire department in Wilhoit, they called the department the Wilhoit Fire Prevention Association. Always courageous and full of spirit, he worked tirelessly to better the community. With his wife Regina, they delivered mail for many years, and he was a long-time member of Yavapai County Sherriff's Office, VIP program. He also served as a board member for the Kirkland School District and on the fire department board of directors.
Larry and Regina also loved to travel and some of their favorite places visited were England, Hawaii, New Zealand and Hong Kong, and they spent many years exploring Arizona with Dogtown Reservoir being a camping favorite. Larry embraced opportunities and the chance to experience life with open arms. His smile and charming ways will never be replaced. His love, leadership and his Christian Walk will always be remembered. Even though there is some sadness in our lives, we rejoice in knowing he has received his eternal inheritance and is free from the bondage of an earthly body.
Those who will miss him are his son Larry, and his wife, Cindy, daughters Mary and Vanessa, and her husband Rafael, grandchildren Paige, and her husband Chris, Abbey and Hannah, Nicole and Carlos and his great grandchildren Carter and Ashton. As well as his extended family, Quennevill's and Miller's.
A celebration of Larry's life will be held in the Sunrise Funeral Home 8167 E. Highway 69 Prescott Valley, AZ on Thursday May 15 025 at 11:00am with John Uriarte officiating. Final interment will be at the Prescott National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Southern Yavapai Fire Corps, 9000 S. Magby Dr. Kirkland, AZ 86332.