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Lawrence Veling Obituary
It can be surprising what latent talents fathers discover when they want to make their kids happy.
Last Christmas, Lawrence Veling found he had a knack for drawing characters from the Nickelodeon show "Blue's Clues." He had never sketched or doodled, and couldn't draw anything else.
But for his 2-year-old son Kevin, he could churn out remarkable likenesses of Blue, Mr. Salt, Mrs. Pepper, Slippery Soap and Tickety Tock in rapid succession as Kevin cried "More!" Even the neighbors were impressed when they saw Mr. Veling's chalk drawings on the sidewalk.
Mr. Veling, 44, worked two jobs ‹ one as a fireman with Engine 235 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, and one as a high school custodian in Manhattan ‹ so his scarce time at home was devoted to his three children, Ryan, 7, Cynthia, 6, and Kevin.
He colored in coloring books. He played Junior Monopoly. He went to school in his full uniform for fire safety week.
"I knew my kids would grow up to be great adults because they had a great father," said Dianne Veling, his wife.
Mrs. Veling says her own sketches of Blue's Clues characters are inconsistent. "A couple of times I was impressed with myself, but I forgot how I did it."
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September 14, 2016
With respect and honor, you are remembered. Your service and sacrifice - and willingness to protect others, will forever be remembered. May God bless your family with peace
Mary Hager
September 10, 2016
Lawrence and his family hold a special place in my heart even though I never knew him or his family. I purchased a mia bracelet (in Sept. 2001) that I wore everyday until his remains were discovered. Now I only wear it on each anniversary of 9-11-01 to remember this fallen hero and his family. May you rest in peace FF Lawrence Veling FDNY Engine 235. Praying for his family.
Taylah Veling
September 1, 2014
I still don't know to this day if we are blood or share blood (dating back to our ancestory as veling was made into our own) but it's something that passes my mind always. My deepest condolences are with the veling family forever.
Dale Young
May 16, 2014
Jacob Veling was one of three brothers who left Hamburg Germany for the U.S. many years ago. He was my maternal great grandfather and Lawrence's great, great uncle. I've been waiting to somehow share condolences. Thank God for the resurrection.
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Dorothy Veling
September 25, 2013
I cannot say my last name Veling without hearing Larry laughter at how i would say it.
Your lovely wife is a great mom and your children are amazing.
Pam Oliveira
September 11, 2013
Remembering our Heroes today and special remembrances to the Veling family.
Brian O'Shaughnessy
September 11, 2013
Today, Larry will by Facebook profile picture.
Although we never met, he's one of my heroes.
His family is on my mind and in my heart today.
Brian
"Shell"
September 9, 2013
12 years later and I can still never forget you. Your voice is something that I don't think could ever go away. Rest easy, Larry.
Colleen Donnery
July 22, 2013
Wow, Mr. Brian O'Shaughnessy, what a wondeful gesture. Not sure how often his family looks on this, but I am sure they would be proud and honored. For those of us who grew up here in Gerritsen Beach with him, his legacy is everywhere! Our Little League Field is even named after him. He was a great guy and I am sure is smiling down on you. Thanks again for being such a caring individual.
Brian O'Shaughnessy
July 14, 2013
It was my honor to walk 110 flights of stairs today at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. I walked in honor of Lawrence (as well as my grandfather who was a FF for 50 years in North Greece, NY).
Of course I didn't know Lawrence, but I appreciate his effort and sacrifice to ensure we live in the greatest country in the world.
From this day forward, when I reflect on the events of 9/11/01, I will think of Lawrence.
His picture will sit on my desk.
Thank you.
Again, I'm honored.
Brian O'Shaughnessy
July 14, 2013
Dorothy Veling Williams
June 13, 2013
Larry I miss you always, your smile and your kindness. I cheer for the METS always. I still don't pronounce our name correctly. :) Love Dorothy
Colleen Brandow-Donnery
September 11, 2011
I loved Larry Veling. He was such a happy person and a great father, husband & friend. I believe he was responsible for every nickname every person had in Gerritsen Beach! Rest in Peace.
Melissa Burke
September 11, 2011
I just wanted to say thankyou to Larry for risking his life in order to save others. He is missed everyday. I remember going to his store every morning for breakfast before school and he was always very nice to me. My prayers are with him and his family today.
Kathy Brady
September 11, 2011
I knew Larry from the beach. He was a happy person. My mom used to go to the store everyday and see him there. His personality sure made alot of peoples days brighter. god bless his family.
Michelle (Vargas) Ellis
June 13, 2009
I knew Larry sinceI girl from Old Dutch farms the best candy hookup. He is sadly missed, a staple of my dear childhood community.
Vincent Monaco
January 20, 2008
I knew Larry from Old Dutch and his own store with Steve. Larry always had a kind word for everyone, I never heard him be cross or loud with anyone.
Larry is someone who will be missed as long as there is a Gerritsen Beach.
P Tabbernor
April 10, 2007
In memory....
Pam Oliveira
September 11, 2006
Just wanted Dianne to know that we still haven't forgotten. Hope you and the kids are doing okay. We at Kings County Fire Dept. Company 8 and Company 4 still think of you often. Please keep in touch. Pam
Joseph Amato
September 24, 2003
My loving prayers to the family and friends of NY Firefighter Lawrence Veling of Engine 235
for his life giving service to saving of lives on that fateful day of September 11, 2001.
His courage, love, and devotion as a father, and New York City's - Firefighter
Lawrence Veling gave to all Americans; and I will remember in spirit his journey.
My prayers are to his family, wife, and children;
as well his sister Marci and her family
for God's graces.
From Joseh J.Amato
Jim Norris
September 11, 2003
Larry was a guy who always had a heart. I grew up with Larry in my sights, whether it was at old Dutch or his own store with Steve. When my mom Pat passed I flew in to mourn and forgot to bring any money in the mayhem. Larry cashed a check for me and held it till I got back home. To Larry's family and friends. I still mourn the loss of my brother Ed and now I mourn for Larry. May we all join them in heaven when it is our time to go.
mary weigand
September 11, 2003
Dear Veling Family
I grew up in Gerritsen Beach I attended Resurrecton School with his sister Loretta we were the best of friends I looked up to Larry as an older brother. He was a great guy always making a joke I will miss him Love your friend Mary
mary weigand
September 11, 2003
Dear Veling Family
Larry was a great guy I looked up to him I will mis him
LoveAlways
Your Friend Mary
Monika Rischowsky-Newman
September 11, 2003
I did not know Larry personally but I did know the Veling family We also lost a family member Lucy Fischman My prayers are with your family
Janis Bolton Samuelsen
May 21, 2003
What can be said that has not been said about the man you think of when someone says "Gerritsen Beach". He was a character, anyone that knew Larry had a story to tell. He was my softball coach about -- years ago and he always wanted you to give the 100% he gave in everything he did. I will sorely miss him, his gruff voice,and that way about him. You could never in your lifetime meet another like him. God Bless your Beautiful, strong wife and those adorable children that we can see you in every day. Love & Miss ya Big Guy!!
Matthew Butler
December 7, 2002
I worked on ground zero with a close friend (we're both paramedics). He just gave me a memoral braclet with Larry's name and engine number on it. I will wear it with pride and remember him and his family in my prayers. Thank you.
Shannon Bauerlein
November 26, 2002
My husband knew Larry. He hasn't been the same since - just as everyone else. Larry you are so sadly missed and thought of all the time.
Barbara Lakiotes
November 22, 2002
To know Larry was to Love him. There is not a day that goes by that you aren't missed and thought of. Diane you are one of the strongest woman I know. You are in my prayers.
Laura Castranova (Barone)
November 15, 2002
I just found this wonderful tribute website. I worked with Larry many years ago in the Old Dutch in G.B. Know Diane from going to school with her sister. Was so shocked and sorry to hear that he was among the lost at the WTC. I see how the neighborhood has paid a rightful tribute to him. He was always great with the neighborhood kids, always the great coach. I hadn't seen him in awhile before WTC. He will be sorely missed. I am now in New Jersey but I sign my name from Brooklyn since my heart will always be there.
JoAnn Lee-Allen
October 9, 2002
God Bless You and your family. You will never be forgotten but surely missed.
Laura Brodie Robb
September 14, 2002
Growing up in G.B....I will always remember larry and my prayers go out to him and his family.
Linda Bennick
September 11, 2002
Its been one year today,you will always be missed.Always in my prayers.
Donna Cericola (McMenemy)
September 9, 2002
I knew larry growing up in Gerristen Beach. He always said hello with a smile. Larry was a great person, loved by many. I will miss him greatly. The last time I visited Gerritsen Beach I saw the memorial dedicated in honor of him, in brought tears to my eyes. The people of Gerritsen Beach did a beautiful job. That was one of the great things I loved best about the beach, when something happened to someone, people always came together. My prayers will be with you always Dianne. Im sorry for your loss.
Brenda Camire
July 24, 2002
It has been a rough year for all Americans. With the loss of our heros in 9/11 I still daily watch my husband (a firefighter)go to work and tell him every morning how much I love him - Just in case a moment in time comes when he will not return to me. The Firefighters in New York were brave beyond compare - They had their job to do which they did with no remorse. For all of those brave soles I salute you. You will never be forgotten.
Angie Campbell
May 31, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
ronnnie wladich
May 17, 2002
what a sad day it is when someone as giving as larry(rich) is taken from us
May 16, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL HERO..LAWRENCE VELING AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS AND ST.LAWRENCE GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Erin Hughes
May 11, 2002
I knew Larry from my mon. She went out with him when they were younger. Larry always said hi to me. I remeber at an open house for our school, Resurrection, i saw him playing tag with his youngest son, Kevin. Larry, i will remember you always. You were the best and the bravest. Love always, Erin.
vincent delduca
April 26, 2002
larry,
i will always miss you.you always gave me free snacks at your old store.you always gave me a smile.i will always remember you.
love,
vinny
Laurie (Shannon) Del Duca
April 15, 2002
I grew up with Larry on the block, went all through Resurrection School
with him. Still hard to believe all
of this. What a great person. Always
a smile never a complaint. Our children attended Resurrection and
I would see him picking them up. Miss that hello all the time. What
a beautiful family. His wife Diane
has an unbelieve amount of strength.
Her memorial for Larry was beautiful
I thank her for letting us greive for Larry too. We had our Little
League Parade Saturday April 13, and
the field was dedicated in memory of
Larry. It is now know as the Larry
Veling Memorial Field. The Men and
Women of the Beach Out did themselves. It looks like a major league field. Hats off to all of you. Larry must be looking down and
so proud. Miss you Larry never forgotten always remembered always
pray for you and your family.
Peter Tuohy
April 12, 2002
As time goes by, it seems like we are still going to see you walk through the door one of these days, but the realization of the whole thing sets in and it's sad. Everybody misses you and wishes we could have had a chance to say good-bye, but that's not the way it was to be. We wonder if you suffered on that fateful day, we hope not, and we are so proud of you and all your efforts at the WTC and want you to know that making the ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten by those who loved you the most. In our eyes, God took our hero.
Love
your brother-in-law Pete
your sister Marcy
niece Christine
nephew Peter
Lilias (Barry) Johnson
April 4, 2002
I didn't know Larry personally, but I know I will never forget him now. I was making painted plates for the all Firehouses of NYC and my brother, Billy Barry, asked me if I would make one special for Larry's wife Diane. We were attending the Memorial Service for Larry that week, and so I made one just for his family. During the service in the church, I knew that this plate was truly something special and heartfelt. You see, I don't ever remember seeing my brother cry the way he did that day, and so I realized, that Larry Veling must have been a wonderful person to have had such an effect on his friend, my brother. I may never have met Larry personally, but through all the shared memories of him, its as if I too lost a dear friend that terrible day. May God Bless and keep Larry in his loving care.
Brian Clarke
March 30, 2002
MY UNCLE THE BRAVE
My Uncle Larry is a great man,
He was always there to lend a hand.
Whenever someone showed a frown,
He was there to turn it up-side down.
My uncle is the greatest person I know,
He always shed a lovely glow.
My Uncle Larry loved to joke, I say,
Every hour of every day.
Whenever I think of how much he gave,
I think of my Uncle Larry, the brave.
Marcy Veling
March 30, 2002
Dear Larry,
Thank you for forty years of love and friendship.
Love never dies,
your sister Marcy
Patricia Duffy Sarraga
March 28, 2002
I only had the opportunity to know Larry through my neighbor- his sister and brother-in-law.Every time I saw him though, he was laughing and happy-and always with his children.May God bless you and your sister together in heaven.And may God bless the rest of your family here on earth.
kelly parker
March 20, 2002
I don't beleive that september 11 was the worst day of my life. i beleive that the worst days were the days to follow it. They were the worst days because me and all of america gave up hope.
love kelly
Caitlin Shannon
March 12, 2002
Although I didn't know I hears some great stories about you and thats how I know you were a great person. Your kids and I go to the same school so I seen them often and never once did I look at them and not see you. RiP larry I hope you like heaven
Debbie Dong
March 11, 2002
Larry was a special friend to my husband and myself. I never saw Larry without his children. He was in the park, walking, teaching baseball, you name it that's what Larry was doing. Not only did he spend time with his children, he helped the organized sports for all the children in his neighborhood. We all miss him so much. I know he has a team working up in heaven. God needed Larry for a coach. God bless Diane and the children.
Patrick Roach
March 7, 2002
I just heard that Larry was lost.
I grew up with him and remember him working at the Dairy Farm. He was actually my sister's Theresa (Regan)classmate in Resurrection. She also lost her husband Donald with with Rescue 3.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Kathy Stokes
January 16, 2002
I met Larry 11 years ago when I first moved into Gerrittsen Beach. His friendly smile and nature made me feel like I was part of the neighborhood. He was a good person with a kind heart and will be missed by all who knew him.
Jean Olsen
January 16, 2002
Larry was a wonderful young man. He was admired by many of his neighbors and friends.
Betty Allen
January 15, 2002
I grew up down the block from Larry. It's a small community in Brooklyn with trees and small courts. We had block parties and barbeques and played games on the small narrow streets in summer and built forts in the winter snow.I remember one summer night we were playing rattlesnake. It's a game where one person puts their arm on the trunk of a tree (Mrs. Tracey's) and the other kids go under the outstretched arm while everyone sings "r-a-t-t-l-e-s-n-a-k-e spells rattlesnake" and the kid caught under the arm when the singing stops is next to stand with outstretched arm on the tree trunk. Larry was about 5 and he was next. He couldn't stretch his arm long enough for us older kids to pass under.We teased him he got so mad but instead of crying or pouting he put his outstretched leg against the trunk and put his arm outstretched to the next person and told all us big kids to go ahead and start walking.We did and had a great time. Years have gone by but I still remember that We had great summers and I'll never forget Larry or his mom and dad and sisters.
Veronica Shea
January 13, 2002
New Larry when he and my brother were friends in grammer school.
He will be missed by all the people in Gerrittsen Beach.
Lynda Howell
January 7, 2002
God Bless!
Teresa Jahn
December 7, 2001
We thank Lawrence for all he did for others. He must have had a wonderful heart to have dedicated it to helping people and drawing Blues Clues characters. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Judy Cherbonneau
December 3, 2001
In heaven you surely must be. Heroes always go to heaven! I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family and friends. I am so sorry!
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