Larry Walter Mifsud

Larry Walter Mifsud
August 1, 1955 – June 5, 2025
Larry Walter Mifsud passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, in Farmington Hills, Michigan, surrounded by the family he so loved and protected. He was 69 years old.
Born on the military base, Fort Jackson, in Columbia, South Carolina, on August 1, 1955, Larry was raised in Detroit, where early experiences-multiple break ins at the family home and being robbed while delivering newspapers-sparked the vigilance and servant's heart that would define his life. After graduating from Western High School in Detroit, he then started working at the car wash to help pay for his Associate Degree that he earned from Henry Ford Community College, a fitting foundation for a career devoted to public safety.
Larry first served his country with the FBI, where he was an FBI clerk, before moving to the Grand Trunk Railroad Police. He later joined the Huron Township Police Department, and finally the West Bloomfield Township Police Department, where he became not just an officer, but a leader, mentor, and expert K-9 handler. He retired in 2010, but his legacy in law enforcement continues to ripple across the state of Michigan. Larry didn't just work with dogs - he understood them. As a gifted K-9 officer, he trained countless police dogs and handlers across Michigan. Under his guidance, K 9 teams recovered substantial drug money and, in one memorable case, found a missing person with memory impairments within minutes after being called into the ongoing search. His passion for dogs extended beyond duty: he founded Midwest Michigan Police K-9 Academy, taught civilian classes at Eagle Elementary, and even tamed his children's challenging pets, turning each into the perfect family companion.
Larry also served his community by working in temple security at Temple Israel, where he provided both safety and reassurance to staff and congregants alike. His calm, watchful presence was a true asset to all who knew him there.
Though his career was filled with distinction, Larry's proudest and most cherished role was that of a family man. His love and devotion to his wife, Donna, were unwavering and beautifully evident to everyone who knew them. Married for 43 years, Larry often spoke of how fortunate he felt to have her by his side. He admired her deeply, trusted her implicitly, and took great pride in building a life together rooted in love, respect, and faith. She was not only the love of his life, but his best friend, partner, and greatest source of joy. He celebrated her strength, leaned on her wisdom, and never missed an opportunity to tell others how proud he was to be her husband.
Ever the guardian, Larry's calm presence steadied his loved ones in every storm. He spoke often to his family members on situational awareness, yet made them feel utterly safe in his care. Friends called him "that guy" you could call at any hour-he would always show up.
Off duty, Larry was an NRA member who enjoyed target practice, trips to the family cabin up north, spending time outdoors with his K-9 companions, watching classic westerns, reading about history, country, and faith, and-most of all-spending time with the family he cherished. In 1997, Larry suffered an injury at work that forever changed his and his family's lives. Larry did the best he could after the injury and his family tried to keep Larry going but as time passed the injury was too much to overcome. Reflecting on the injury, he and his family lost that cherished time that meant so much to them all. Larry is and will be missed tremendously at all the future family gatherings.
He was endlessly proud of his beloved wife Donna, their children Heather, Stephanie, and Gary, and grandchildren Alexsis, Faith and Lucas. He is also survived by his brother Stephen (Robin) and nephews Michael, Christopher (Kaylene), and Aidan. Larry rejoins in eternal rest his parents, Paul and Sylvia, and his precious granddaughter Alexsis.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Brightmoor Christian Church, 40800 W. 13 Mile Rd., Novi, MI 48377. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m., with the service following at 10:00 a.m. Donations honoring Larry's legacy may be made to the
Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org causes close to his generous heart.
Larry was more than a husband, father, grandfather, officer, and trainer - he was a rock, a hero, and a once-in-a-lifetime kind of man. He was a man of unwavering character, quick wit, and limitless compassion-for people and animals alike. If you knew Larry, you probably were told how it was, once or twice with conviction. His son Gary said "no matter what life throws at you, you just have to roll with the punches, like it or not" and Larry did just that. He often reminded his daughter, Stephanie that, "there is a light at the end of the tunnel," and through his life of service, strength, and love, he was a true friend to so many. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Larry's favorite scripture was John 15:12-13. " No greater love than a man lays down his life for his friends. He knew it was his Savior that sacrificed His life for him."