Lawrence Allan "Larry" Wachlin

Lawrence Allan Wachlin, 94, passed away peacefully December 13, 2024, at his residence in Rockledge, FL.
Lawrence (Larry) is survived by his son, Lawrence Wachlin, Jr. (Yole); daughter, Karen Wachlin Muldoon; granddaughter, Rachel Adams (Jason); brothers, Clifford Wachlin, Bartley Horton; sisters, Nancy Backe, Barbara Gabellini; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise Gabellini and Losee Wachlin; brother, Wallace Wachlin; and wife, Marie Hindela Wachlin, in 2017.
Larry was born March 18, 1930, in Bay Shore, Long Island, NY. He grew up on Fire Island, Sayville and surrounding towns. He worked various trades, and was a fisherman with Sunrise Fish Company. While serving in the U.S. Army, Pfc. Wachlin was a member of the Honor Guard to the Commander-in-Chief, Far East. In 1955, he married Marie Hindela, started a family, and went to work for Grumman. In 1966, the family of four relocated to a new house in Rockledge, FL, when he was temporarily transferred to Kennedy Space Center. A few years later, the assignment became permanent, and their house became their permanent home. Larry retired from Grumman, and then from United Space Boosters in 1994. He continued to work until 2008, officially retiring at age 78.
Larry will be lovingly remembered by family and friends. He worked hard to provide for his family, and showed his love in many ways. He kept busy working on projects in his workshop, maintaining the yard and pool, repairing their bicycles, buying guitars for his son, creating tissue paper flower costumes for his daughter's school plays, and taking his family on adventures.
Growing up on Long Island, Larry enjoyed playing and working on the Great South Bay. In Florida, he continued to share this love of land and sea with his family. He took them boating, swimming, fishing, crabbing, camping and RVing. They traveled around Florida and the country to visit beaches, National and State parks, Rock City, mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs, family, friends, and more.
Later in life, Larry continued to take road trips, mainly to visit family in Chattanooga, TN. They enjoyed more adventures together, hiking mountains, walking the Walnut Street bridge and Riverwalk, riding the Coolidge Park Carousel, touring historical sites, listening to live music, gorging at Marriott Hotel prime rib buffets, and salivating at the mere mention of Steak in a Sack at Ankar's Hoagies.
Larry – Dad, Grandpa, Dutch, Uncle Dutchie – loved his family, and they deeply loved him in return. The family thanks God for the gift of Larry, who imparted life skills and wisdom, work ethic and a zest for adventure. They will cherish every blessing, antic, escapade and love-filled memory.
Memorial Service for Lawrence and Marie Wachlin was held Friday, February 14, 2025, at the Chapel inside The Grove Church, Titusville, FL. Celebration of their lives immediately followed memorial service.
Military Honors Ceremony for Lawrence Wachlin was held Friday, February 14, 2025 at Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, FL.
Inurnment of Lawrence and Marie Wachlin immediately followed ceremony at Canaveral National Cemetery.