Northborough – Lawrence Milton Beatty, 77, affectionately known to all by Larry, passed away peacefully at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester Jan. 22, 2019. He has been surrounded for days by his closest friends and family.
Larry was born Dec. 19, 1941 in Worcester, a son to Milton L. and Shirley Mae (Lawrence) Beatty. He attended Northborough public schools and graduated with the Class of 1959 from the old Northborough High School. It was said that in school Larry had a very special “way with numbers” which followed him through his life.
After graduation Larry and several friends enlisted in the United State Army. Following basic training at Fort Dix Larry was sent to Fort Gordon for Military Police Training and Lackland Air Force Base where he received K-9 handler training. Larry loved his dog; they served closely together for several years. After successfully completing their training Larry and his canine partner were stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base where they provided security patrol services.
After completion of that duty Larry made his way to Fort Hood, Texas where he was eventually honorably discharged as a permanent corporal. During his career in the Army he was awarded the good conduct medal, was a marksman with a rifle, a sharpshooter with the M-1 carbine and an expert with his service pistol. Although assigned to Air Force Bases Larry was always quick to explain that he was regular Army if anyone questioned him.
Larry was always known as a hard worker and was proud that outside of military time, he lived and worked in Northborough for his entire life. During junior high and high school he was employed at Bigelow’s Nursery in Northborough. Upon returning home from the military in July of 1962, Larry began working at the former County Line Sand & Gravel in Berlin and the former Colonial Press Co. in Clinton. In early 1965 Larry began working as a special police officer with the Northborough Police Department. On Dec. 1, 1965, he joined the force as a full-time patrol officer under then Police Chief James E. Carbrey.
Larry was promoted to sergeant in 1983, a position which he served with pride and distinction until his retirement in September of 1993. One of Larry’s favorite assignments was working the voting polls on election days at the Marion Zeh School, where he enjoyed spoiling the ladies that worked there. After remaining single for almost 50 years he married the love of his life, Adele Kelly in July 1991.
People who knew Larry were well aware that he was a hard worker, a trait that he proved time and time again. While working a 40 hour week with the police department Larry also worked full time as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service, a position he held for over 40 years. His knowledge of the town and people made him an invaluable asset to the police department.
Larry was also extremely active in the Vincent F Picard American Legion Post 234 of Northborough. He served as both commander and vice commander of “his” Post. Larry is still known by all members as the backbone of that organization; the one single person who held it all together. He was relentless in his support of the Post and was the significant force behind the return of Legion Baseball to Northborough. He attended every game, his support a major factor in its success. Larry was considered the “Life’s Blood” of Post 234 having a hand in almost every operational aspect of the organization.
He was known for his steadfast and unwavering attitude. If Larry liked you he would do anything for you and if he didn’t like you, well you were definitely aware of it!
Larry is survived by his step-sons, Geoff Kelly of Northborough and Scott Kelly of Worcester; his brother, Robert A. Beatty of Worcester; his closest cousin, Jackie Osman; cousins Marlene Grenier, Sharon Blood and Robin Williams, all of Florida, Jeff Osman of Marlborough, Brian Osman of North Carolina, and numerous other cousins. He also leaves his best friend, Edward “Dusty” Shead.
Memorial contributions to support the Northborough Post 234 Baseball Team, in Larry’s memory, may be made in care of Vincent F. Picard American Legion Post 234, 402 West Main St., Northborough, MA 01532.
Calling hours with be held Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 4-7 p.m., at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 10 a.m., at Trinity Church of Northborough, 23 Main St. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Howard Street Cemetery.
