Lawrence H. "Larry" Roberts

1/14/1947 - 4/21/2025

Waterford - Lawrence "Larry" Harding Roberts, 78, of Waterford, died peacefully Monday, April 21, 2025, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London in the presence of his family. Larry was born Jan. 14, 1947 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to John Harding Roberts and Marion Garbett Roberts. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Deborah Datum Roberts. They were married in Collinsville in 1985. Larry is also survived by his sister Martha Hester; and his brother John Shepard; as well as his daughter Erin Roberts; his sons, Zachary Roberts and Timothy Roberts; and two beloved grandchildren.

Larry grew up in Waterford where he enjoyed carefree summers on the Shore and loved playing sports, especially baseball and football. He graduated from Waterford High School in 1964. He was the captain of the football team at Trinity College where he earned the nickname "El Toro" for his spirited running game. He graduated with a degree in history in 1968, and made many lasting friendships there that he treasured more and more as the years went on.

Larry devoted his life to education, serving for many years as a teacher, coach, advisor and administrator. He began his teaching career at the St. Andrew's School in Delaware, and later took a position at the Kingswood Oxford School in West Hartford. He earned his MAT from Connecticut College in 1974, where he was later varsity lacrosse coach, and taught in the Lyme and East Lyme school districts. In 1980, Larry returned to Kingswood Oxford where he became dean of students and head of upper school. After serving as principal of the Galloway School in Atlanta, Ga., and as headmaster of The Williams School in New London, Larry returned to East Lyme High School as assistant principal in 1998. He became principal in 2003, and retired in 2008. After retirement, he continued to work as the professional education coordinator at the University of New Haven campus in New London, teaching the next generation of teachers.

A natural and charismatic leader, Larry imbued everything he did with a spirit of warmth, energy and care. He always kept his focus on his students, who were often amazed that Larry not only remembered their names but also their individual concerns, interests and successes. Larry was a natural comedian and a playful raconteur who was often called to speak at gatherings public and private. He had a unique way with words and a singular sense of humor; his many imitations, quips and bad puns will be remembered by all - whether they liked it or not. He was also an enthusiastic actor who enjoyed many turns in community theater, including a performance in Shakespeare's "Henry V" alongside his daughter and son.

Larry loved to travel, especially to see friends near and far. A highlight was a multiyear tour of every Major League baseball park in the nation with a dear friend. Ever active, Larry loved hiking and taking long bike rides along the Shore. When that was no longer possible, he enjoyed boxing with the Championship Rounds program for people with movement disorders at the Whaling City Athletic Club.

Larry felt fortunate to become the steward of the family homestead on Jordan Cove, inherited from his mother and stepfather, Willard Odell Shepard. He took great pleasure looking out at Long Island Sound, hosting friends and family, and sharing stories that preserved the home's unique history. Above all, Larry will be remembered for his many, many friendships, which he cherished deeply. Those whose lives he touched loved him for always being his weird, wonderful self.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic.