Lawrence G. "Larry" Spees

Groton - Lawrence G. "Larry" Spees, 66, of Noank, died on June 21, 2013, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.

He was born on Sept. 9, 1946, in Middletown, to Josephine (Swol) Spees and Adam H. Spees. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering in 1968. He also took courses towards a master's degree in ocean engineering. He spent his 30 year engineering career at Electric Boat, General Dynamics.

Larry is survived by his children, Dr. Jeffrey Spees of Burlington, Vt., Adam Spees (Ann) of Australia, and Adam's children, Hugo (8) and Scarlett (6). His good friend and former wife, Leslie Spees of Noank survives; along with a sister, Maddie Thompson (Bob) of Rochester, Minn.; and a brother, Mark Spees (Pat) of Ashfield, Mass.

His mother and father predeceased him.

Larry was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis at age 29. At EB he helped restore the submarine Nautilus which is now a museum. He enjoyed going on sea trials. He loved working with submarines and was on call day and night if needed. He retired as an engineering supervisor in l998 due to ill health.

Larry loved anything mechanical especially trains, boats, and firetrucks. He had quite a collection of model trains. His last sailboat was a catboat which the whole family could enjoy. At one time, he was a senior driver for the volunteer Noank Fire Co. He served as chief engineer designing two of the company's new fire engines. The last few years he has been president of the Noank Fire Co. Larry was recently honored at the annual banquet for his contributions. Larry's interests in trains, boats, and firetrucks could be seen in his artwork. He easily drew detailed pen and inks on these subjects before MS affected him. Larry was a very positive and determined individual as he dealt with 36 years of MS.

We would like to thank his caregiver, JoJo Eshun, the VNA, Dr. Scarles and the Mystic Medical Group, the staff at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, good friend, Bill Lyman, the Noank Fire Dept., and all his other friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life in September.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Noank Fire Dept. or Mystic Seaport.

Dinoto Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.