Lawrence John “Larry” Mahon
May 16, 1954 – December 31, 2022
Larry perfected the “Irish Goodbye.” Just when we thought he’d see a New Year, he left the party.
Lawrence John “Larry” Mahon, 68, died quietly on Saturday, December 31, 2022. His gift this holiday season was his brief, miraculous rally in order to enjoy the company of his children and friends at his bedside.
Surviving Larry are his pride and joy, “The Kids,” Colter, Conner and Emma Mahon; their mother, Sheryl Herndon, and his granddogs. Larry and his surviving siblings, Jim, Ken, Martin, and Mary Mahon, enjoyed a typical 1950s-60’s childhood in Arlington, VA.
After graduating from Yorktown High School in 1972, Larry enrolled at VCU, making Richmond his home forever. As a career Commonwealth employee, he was most proud of his work successes at The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Highlighting his unique personality were Larry’s diverse interests and hobbies. Trite but true, he was a Renaissance Man, an active participant in so many endeavors, a member of good standing in countless organizations and multiple, eclectic groups of friends, an entertaining storyteller, a man of endless “situations,” and Elvis. He was everyone’s, Uncle Larry. He always sought adventure, even in simple activities of golfing, traveling, walking around his neighborhood to discover the history, watching sports, and playing and listening to live music. He maintained odd credentials, including Maker’s Mark Ambassador, Youngest Volunteer (age 20) at Big Brothers Organization, and a charter member of the DBA (Drinking Buddies of America).
Larry’s two most revered pastimes were trips with his biking buddies (or any time spent on his Harley) and his black powder rifle competitions. For more than 25 years he was a proud member of an award-winning marksman with the Washington Blue Rifles of the North-South Skirmish Association. All that said, Larry’s favorite people were Colter, Conner, and Emma, and his best times were spent either with them or listening to tales of their adventures.
The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Affinity Funeral Service, 2720 Enterprise Parkway, Richmond, Virginia 23294. A celebration of Larry’s life will follow at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.
Click here to view the live-streamed funeral service for Lawrence J. Mahon.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution to honor Larry may do so at the American Cancer Society, cancer.org, or a charity of their choice.
So, did Larry leave?
Larry was a dear high school friend and I am so sorry that he has left us. It was bittersweet to reconnect with him over the past several months knowing his time was short. But in true Larry style, he made it more sweet than bitter. I will miss him very much.
I worked with Larry during the Golden Gordon (Davies) era at SCHEV. We would go into all-staff meetings and prepare for somber briefings from our Chief. Only one person dared break the silence — Larry, who always interjected an off-beat but insightful question or comment into the mix. Something about his good nature and humor allowed him to get away with it. Then, during the spring, we would all let our hair down for softball season, followed by a pizzas and a few pitchers of beer. Those were the days! RIP Larry.
For Larry’s family, Colter, Conner and Emma Mahon; Sheryl Herndon and surviving siblings, Jim, Ken, Martin, and Mary Mahon: I too wanted to express my deepest sympathies for your loss.
I met Larry on my first trip and introduction to the “Duck Camping Group” who had been described to me by my then spouse as “A group of 20 – 30 close friends gathering together twice a year with one goal in mind which was to HAVE FUN! EAT WELL!, & ENJOY THE FRIENDSHIP”. I for one, will NEVER forget those trips. Nor will I ever forget Larry & his love of life and his ability to bring unexpected fun & humor to all of us no matter if it was at Duck or when he wanted to host a gathering.
I believe I may still have photos of one such gathering when Larry & Sheryl held a party in either October or November on a night that was QUITE FRIGID & I believe forecasted for snow. All were recommended to attend in clothing fit for A Day at the Beach! Since that night, I cannot tell you how many times I have shared that party with many friends who never had the pleasure of meeting or knowing Larry. But have commented that Larry would be someone they would have enjoyed meeting.
Larry of course kept all of us from getting cold because he had beach sand to insulate our feet, blowing heaters and he had constructed framing with tarpaulin walls & overhead covering making it nice and toasty for all of us attending in our summer attire. And for icing on the cake, Larry brought in ELVIS!
In the short time that I met and was around Larry from the late 1980’s until I moved to NC in the mid 1990’s, I enjoyed, respected, and knew Larry to be a friend. I was fortunate to know him.
I am especially saddened that his life has ended so early, yet I pray that each day forward your special memories of him and his love for you all will continue to bring smiles to you daily.
If I can locate photos of the Beach Party in Winter I will gladly share.
My condolences for your loss.