Gerald Larson

Gerald G. Larson SUFFOLK - After a very short battle with cancer, retired Virginia Beach Fire Department Battalion Chief Gerald G. Larson passed away suddenly July 2, 2011 at home, surrounded by his family, friends and beloved dog, Patches. Gerry was born in Rush City, Minn., on July 25, 1941 and was a graduate of Christopher Newport University. He enlisted in the Navy in 1959, and was stationed at Little Creek Naval Base where he joined the Underwater Water Demolition Team 21 (now Seal Team 4). He was a non-combat veteran of the Vietnam War and had the honor of participating in the training efforts for the Mercury Spacecraft Recovery Program. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church. He met Beverly A. Jordan at the Little Creek Navy Base, and they married Aug. 22, 1964. After retiring from the Virginia Beach Fire Department, his passion turned to his grandchildren, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. He mentored many young boys through scouting, including two of his grandsons, Jeffrey Sabatino and Alex Palagyi to the rank of Eagle Scout. He also helped his grandsons, Seva Karlov and Matt Palagyi achieve the highest rank in Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light. In addition, he had three granddaughters, Kaitlyn Sabatino, Lauren Palagyi and Madison Belcher, who are in the Girl Scouts. Gerry also served on the Committee of Boy Scout Troop 57 and Cub Scout Pack 89. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Beverly; three daughters, Lori Palagyi and husband Will, Lee Ann Sabatino-Belcher of Chesapeake and Kelly Karlov and husband Misha; four siblings, Karen Heger and husband Dick, Katherine Peterson and husband Roger, John Larson and Kris Webb; 15 grandchildren, Jeffrey Sabatino and wife Katelynn, Kaitlyn Sabatino, Alex Palagyi, Nik Karlov, Lauren Palagyi, Matthew Palagyi, Madison Belcher, Sasha Karlove, Seva Karlov, Aaron Belcher, Luka Karlov, Katya Karlov, Nadia Karlov, Val Karlov and Yarik Karlov; brothers and sisters in Christ, Jerry and Deannie Rogers and Ed and Kathy Brakob; and his "adopted" dad, Frank Kelly. Gerry was known throughout Tidewater as a man who could always be counted on for a joke, a laugh, a story, a word of wisdom, or a smile. He loved his church, his family, and his many friends. He will be missed greatly. A funeral will be held Friday, July 8, at 12:30 p.m. in Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3488 Godwin Blvd., Suffolk, VA 23434 by Pastor Scott Benson. Burial will be in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Bennetts Creek Chapel, Suffolk, Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Pack 89, c/o Beech Grove United Methodist Church, 4251 Driver Lane, Suffolk, VA 23435. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.