Passed on to a Higher Bench, glowing radiance, within The Most Supreme Court.

Devoted son of the late James Edwd. and Ann Jane (nee McElroy), beloved husband of Malgorzata (Margaret, nee Zysk), loving father of Anya Sinead and Patrick Lawrence. Cherished brother of James E. (Anne), Daniel M., Kevin F. (Laura) and Francis J. (Maureen), also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins both in the U.S., as well as in Ireland and Poland.

Most beloved nephew of Mary McElroy Murphy (Memorial# 103772843) and Johnny McElroy Jr. (Memorial# 103754692). Named after maternal uncle Lawrence V. McElroy (Memorial# 103515933).

Respected colleague and close friend of many, always ready with a twinkle in the eye, a smile to warm the heart, a warm, embracing handshake. A Marine.

ANCESTRAL IRISH GAEL ROOTS

Our dad's mom May (Mary Louisa) was a Haskins from Dublin City (baptized St. Kevin's). She's interred, with our grandfather Frank in 2nd Calvary. Her brother was Mattie Haskins, a noted Irish Tenor during the early part of the 1900s and proprietor of the long-established upper eastside Mattie Haskins Irish Imports (aka Haskins Shamrock Irish Imports). His wife, our Aunt Tessie (McEntee, born Co. Cavan, father from Co. Monaghan, mother Co. Meath) continued to operate it decades after his death (both interred together in 4th Calvary). Aunt Tessie's younger sister, Rose, married a Jas. Cullen, of Co. Cavan, reportedly a cousin of our Dad's.

Our Dad's grandfather, Edward, emigrated nearly 75 years earlier (early mid 1800s), before the great famine (Gorta Mór). However, so far, we've been unable to locate concrete documents on their trip over. His brother Thomas' (d.11/26/1884, c.118 years to the date before Larry) Death Notice stated Co. Wicklow. Prior to the Civil War, Edward was a drover, driving cattle through mid-town Manhattan. He was a National Zouave (today's special forces), NY's 10th during the Civil War, was wounded at 2nd Manassas and taken prisoner.

After the Civil War Edward went into the leading technology at the time – telegraphing for the NYC Fire Department. He was a linesman for their Telegraph Bureau. He also made telegraphic and other instruments as a side business. He's interred at 2nd Calvary with many of his 11 children. Edward passed on when our paternal grandfather, Frank Jos., was only a few months old. Edward's son William has been recognized as likely the first fatality of the famed Aqueduct Police and has recently been awarded recognition in Washington D.C., as well as, L.I. (memorial at https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/127914553/william-f-cullen).

Our mother's family, Michael & Sarah Catherine (Prunty) McElroy, arrived from the townlands of Cornanure and Annayalla, respectively, in County Monaghan. Ironically, at one time they resided right where, today, the Midtown Tunnel to Manhattan starts. Literally, a stone's throw from where the Irish Center by Vernon and Jackson in LIC is today. Our maternal grandparents are interred in 3rd Calvary, as are our parents. The patriarch of his family was oldest brother (by. c.20 yrs.) Larry, a dealer in potatoes and also a resident of that specific area. It is he who our brother Lawrence Vincent was named after him.

We are five sons of James Edwd. Aloy. and Ann Jane (McElroy, named after a paternal aunt) Cullen originally from the Sunnyside-Woodside neighborhoods of Queens. We are second generation Irish American from our mother’s side, as well as our father’s mother side. Third generation through our paternal line. Our parents passed on during our pre-teen and early-teen years.

Our oldest brother Jimmy had his Y-DNA tested, which traced back our paternal lineage to the County Dublin-Wicklow area. The writer of this memorial then had autosomal DNA testing done, which show that we carry 97% Irish genes, fitting within the old Kingdom of Bréifne and extending it easterly to Dublin City & northern Wicklow. So, possibly, our paternal lineage is to the Glencullen area, by the Co. Dublin line, which fits with being driven into the hills & mountains, with possible ties to Julianstown, Co. Meath. As mentioned foregoing, there is also an apparent tie to Co. Cavan, also referred to as Co. Bréifne.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Larry was born in Manhattan (Birth Cert. #34989). He was baptized October 3rd, 1948 at St. Teresa's Church in Woodside (at the 50th Avenue border with Sunnyside), Queens, NY. From his early childhood, he loved meeting people, shaking hands and talking their history stories with them. Jimmy, Larry and this writer had newspaper delivery routes for the Long Island Star Journal during our pre-teen years. He made his First Holy Communion at St. Teresa’s, along with older brother Jimmy, on Monday, May 30th, 1955 and, also with Jimmy, Confirmed his Christianity there on Tuesday, April 30th, 1957, being sponsored by Richard H. Kirwan (Jimmy was sponsored by Thos. F. Bergen).

Larry attended Mater Christi High School, during it’s opening year in September of 1961. in Astoria and, after the death of our parents and our separations, graduated from Forest Hills High School. Mater Christi is now St. John’s Preparatory. St. John’s Prep closed it Bed-Sty location and, after its’ charter was re-issued, replaced Mater Christi.

Larry was a wonderful story teller and history buff, especially Irish history. He could, in the charming meaning of the word, beguile a stone and walk away leaving it warm and smiling on a cold winter’s day. He will be missed by many, always had a kind word and a twinkle in his eye.

INSIGHTS INTO LARRY’S VIET NAM WAR EXPERIENCE - 1st MAW:

Larry served in the First Marine Air Wing (1st MAW) with headquarters in Da Nang, Vietnam. The 1st MAW serves as a unit of the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) of the III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF). In turn, the III MEF, a formation within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, headquartered in Okinawa, Japan, is designed for forward-deployment rapid operations, including high-intensity combat. As ordered by Major General William R. Collins, on May 7, 1965, the III MEF was re-designated as III Marine Amphibious Force (III MAF). The III MAF, during the Viet Nam War, consisted of the 1st Marine Division (ground combat element out of Camp Pendleton, CA, oldest & largest active duty division), 3rd Marine Division (infantry, officially activated 16 Sept. 1942 at Camp Elliott, San Diego, California) and Larry’s unit - the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW). The 1st MAW was first activated back on July 7, 1941 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA.

In Viet Nam, the III MAF area of operations was in the northern I Corps Tactical Zone (I CTZ), commonly referred to as I Corps, that bordered North Viet Nam. As recorded within Vol. 4 of the 10-volume series “Marine Corps Vietnam Operational Histories Series” by the Department of the Navy – USMC, I Corps consisted of the five northernmost provinces of South Vietnam, stretched 225 miles from the DMZ border line with North Viet Nam to the northern border of II CTZ in the south. The 1st MAW’s twenty-one fixed-wing and helicopter squadrons supported allied ground forces.

Specific to the 1st MAW, they were deployed to five principal airfields. Wing headquarters was at Da Nang, fixed-wing squadrons were at Da Nang and Chu Lai, and helicopter (rotary wing) squadrons were at Phu Bai, Marble Mountain east of Da Nang, and Ky Ha near Chu Lai. Additional helicopter detachments were at Dong Ha and Khe Sanh. Larry was part of the helicopter squads. Up until 1968, the 1st MAW controlled all air operations in support of ground units in I Corps while making available 25 to 30 sorties (quick, sudden attacks from defensive positions) per day for the Seventh Air Force.

Vol. 5 records that at the beginning of January 1968, III MAF numbered more than 100,000 Marines, sailors, and soldiers. In charge since last June, III MAF Commending General - Lieutenant General Robert E Cushman, Jr., had under command two reinforced Marine divisions, the 1st and 3rd; a U.S. Army division, the Americal (23rd Infantry); the 1s MAW; and the Force Logistic Command. Supplementing these units and temporarily attached to III MAF were nearly 3,000 Marines of the Seventh Fleet's two special landing forces (SLFs). The SLFs each consisted of a Marine battalion landing team (BLT), a battalion reinforced by supporting elements and a helicopter squadron. In addition, the III MAF commander had "coordinating authority" over the four-battalion Republic of Korea (ROK) 2d Marine Brigade (orders to the Koreans took the form of requests). Including the ROK Marines, General Cushman had available 40 infantry battalions and 23 Marine aircraft squadrons in the III MAF area of operations, extending some 220 miles from the DMZ in the north to the border with II Corps Tactical Zone in the south.

Helicopter Operations. As Vol. 4 notes, the Vietnam War was the first conflict in history to involve large-scale employment of helicopter forces. They effectively became a "Cavalry of the Sky" providing the advantages of mobility and staying power that negated some of the elusive enemy’s advantage. For ground forces, helicopters were more than a tactical expedient; they were an action life support line. Copters carried them into battle, provided life and fire support, and rushed them to hospitals when in need. Their 5 basic missions were: tactical airlift of troops, insertion and extraction of reconnaissance teams, supply, downed aircraft recovery, and search and rescue. They also did reconnaissance.

Larry was a HUEY (HU-1E) side door copter gunner. Generally, 88% of copters were troop and supply transport (CH-34s, 46s, 53s), while the remaining 12% were VMOs (observation squadrons) equipped with the highly maneuverable, single-engine Bell UH-lE. The OV-10 arrived on the scene in 1968. Additionally, an armed HUEY would fly ‘chase” in support of other copters. "Medevac" and emergency extractions certainly faced ground fire in landing zones. Needless to say, Larry was exposed to the fatal Agent Orange carcinogen, as were so many of his fellow Marines.

In addition to these perilous exposures, in Vol 5 we find ground reports as early as March 1968, by Brigadier General Henry W. Hise, one of the two assistant commanders of the 1st MAW, who outlined the handicaps of the Marine UH-1E as a gunship. Equipped with the TAT-101 Turret, the UH-1E armament did "not have enough range or punch. Also, in both the fight for Hue and in the environment around the DMZ and Khe Sanh, "the armed chopper is a point target to the man on the ground while in the great majority of cases the chopper pilot is firing at an area target." The result was that the helicopters were vulnerable to the enemy' s 12.7 mm machine guns while pilots had difficulty "in pin-pointing the guns firing at them.” Hise believed "that chopper operations into 12.7 (mm machine gun) defended areas is not good sense unless the weather allows fixed-wing support." The assistant wing commander observed that armed UH-1E pilots flying into these regions now "holler for longer range area weapons; specifically, 20mm guns or at a minimum.50-caliber guns."

As to the TAT-101, which were fitted to the underside nose of the HU-1Es and operated by the Co-pilot Gunner (seated to the pilot’s left), a quick Wikipedia check notes it was an Emerson Electric TAT-101 (Tactical Armament Turret-101) nose turret. The turret housed two M60 machine guns (fires 7.62 x 51 mm cartridges) with 1000 rounds total, and had 100 degrees in azimuth left or right, plus 15 degrees of elevation and 45 degrees of depression. The slew-rate on the turret was 45 degrees per second. Jamming and the need for maintenance led to the turret's front fairing being left off. By end of 1972, the USMC entirely dropped the turrets from inventory.

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Miller, who assumed command of HML-167 in August 1968 stated, among other things, that his UH-1E 's "were armed with forward-firing 7.62 machine guns and 2.75 rocket pods attached to each landing skid. Two crew members operating 7.62 machine guns fired out the aircraft 's side doors." Larry would have been one of them. The HML-167 was a Marine Medium Light Helicopter Squadron.

Finally, as if this wasn’t enough hell to deal with, there were critical logistic failings. It is written that while design factors played a role as did a continuing pilot shortage in helicopter availability, the one constant problem was the lack of spare parts, especially for the CH-53s, but also for the 46s, and to a lesser extent the UH-1Es. While noting the low 25 percent availability in April for the Sea Stallion helicopters, General McCutcheon also pointed to a 33 percent and 50 percent availability respectively for the CH-46s and Hueys. Five months later, in August, the 1st MAW commander, Major General Quilter wrote, "we are in deep trouble on provisioning for engine and airframe spares in the helos-CH-46, CH-53, UH-1E." In October 1968, a senior naval aviation supply officer in a speech to his colleagues stated, "if aircraft are going to fly, we all are going to have to get off our collective butts and manage repairables. There is only one word to describe the job we're doing - lousy." Throughout 1968, the resupply rate for Marine Corps helicopter parts hovered around 70 percent.

For his dedicated services under these perilous hellish conditions, compounded by Agent Orange exposure, Larry would be eligible as having earned (Wikipedia provides further information):

● National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) – is the oldest service medal in use by the United States Armed Forces. Awarded for honorable service during the designated Viet Nam War time period January 1, 1961 through August 14, 1974. Ribbon with vertical stripes, red on each side, yellow center with very thin red, white & blue lines. Medal hangs from a loop, front reads NATIONAL DEFENSE” above a bald eagle perching on a palm & a sword. Reverse side similar to the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal below, oak leaf to left, laurel to the right, along the bottom. If you earned the VSM or the AFEM then you would receive this medal. The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 7/16-inch Scarlet 67111; 1/32 inch White 67101; 1/32-inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/32-inch White; 1/32-inch Scarlet; center is ½-inch Golden Yellow 67104; 1/32-inch Scarlet; 1/32-inch White; 1/32-inch Old Glory Blue; 1/32-inch White; and 7/16-inch Scarlet. I know that Larry has the ribbon but I didn’t see the suspension ribbon and medal.

● Vietnam Service Medal - awarded members of the United States Armed Forces serving in Vietnam and its contiguous waters or airspace thereover, after 3 July 1965 through 28 March 1973. Members of the United States Armed Forces in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, or airspace thereover, during the same period and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam are also eligible for the award. Vertical stripes, green on each side then yellow with 3 thin centered stripes, with a rung supporting a bronze like medal, slightly larger than a U.S. quarter, depicting a cluster of bamboo on the front with a dragon behind, has “"REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM SERVICE"” inscribed. The back side will have “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” with a crossbow pointed toward the Statue of Liberty Torch. Because of all of the Marines counteroffensive attacks there are a considerable number of such periods during which this award could have been earned. A small 3/16-inch bronze service star was awarded for each designated campaign a Marine participated. In this case, Larry was awarded 3 additional bronze service stars.

● The Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross – recognizes heroic or deeds of valor in combat. The medal, of a golden color, shows two swords crossing each other over a wreath and on top of that a centered Celtic Cross with a disc in the middle depicting Viet Nam with 2 palm leaves at bottom and “Reward of the State” written in Vietnamese at top. The medal and the suspension ribbon are each just under 1.4 inches in width. Vertical stripes on each side of the ribbon are a faded red, the middle is a golden yellow stripe, about 2/3rd inch in width, with 16 vertical faded red strands. If earned at the basic armed force level the ribbon would also include a palm leave, if a Corps unit earned it with a gold star, at the division level a silver star and a bronze star at the Brigade and regiment level (pgs. 66 thru 71 of Huy Chuong an Thuong Trong Quan-luc Viet-nam Cong-hoa).

● Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) - The Navy Combat Action Ribbon ("CAR") was established during the Vietnam War by a Secretary of the Navy Notice, dated February 17, 1969 with retroactive award to March 1, 1961. Awarded only to those U.S. naval military members "who have actively participated in ground or surface combat." It has a very narrow, somewhat labyrinthic, criteria. Also cross-reference the Navy/Marine Air Medal. While Marine helicopter combat units can span both they may be left out by criteria narrowness. The key is active participation in ground or surface combat. A helicopter gunner would definitely participate but from the air. The Navy-Marine ribbon is dark blue on the left side, red on the right side with a yellow center having 3 red, white and blue vertical bars. Generally, ribbon medals are 1-3/8 inch by 3/8-inch height and about an 1/8-inch in thickness. Next higher medal is the Achievement Medal, the next higher after that is the Commendation Medal and the next is the Air Medal described herein, which is what Larry was awarded.

● Good Conduct Medal – Initiated over 150 years (USMC: 1896) before the Viet Nam War, after 3 years of honorable creditable faithful enlisted service, named may be inscribed/stamped along rim, miniature rifle hanging from ribbon, with a rung tab suspending round medal showing on the obverse a soldier loading/firing a canon. Ribbon is a horizontal dark magenta like with a dark blue overlaid vertical bar in the middle.

● Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal – Created 1961 by JFK. Must have participated in a U.S. military operation. Medal is slightly larger than a U.S. half-dollar, eagle on front with loosed sword from its scabbard held by its talons, with “Armed Forces” at top and “Expeditionary Service” along lower half. Reverse has a U.S. Coat of arms Shield with laurel branches. However, this was awarded only during the Viet Nam War evacuation period, about six (6) years after Larry left.

● Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal – This medal has a unique exclusion criterion – you must have participated in an operation but one for which no other service medal is authorized. So, while Larry was indeed part of the Marines Expeditionary Force, specifically, the 1st Air Combat Wing of the III MAP, he would be excluded from receiving it if he received another service medal, which is likely why it does appear among his medals, nor the ribbon, among Larry’s ribbons. Further, Vietnam is not listed among the authorized expeditions. Another exclusion, i.a., is if the army & air force also participated.

● Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal – must have been awarded by the South Vietnamese government and award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a condition precedent to receiving. Medal is a 6-pointed white star, green color circle in middle with the shape of Viet Nam in gold with 3 flames in the middle from a suspension ribbon with thin green vertical stripes at each side, next to 3 vertical white stripes separated by (2) vertical green stripes (green for freedom, white for purity). A palm device indicates earning it at the armed force level, a small gold star would be at the Corps level, small silver star at the division level and small bronze star at the brigade or regiment level.

● Navy Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) – this ribbon is awarded for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. The unit must display such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions so as to set it apart from and above other units participating in the same campaign. It is the only Navy ribbon having horizontal stripes. Awarded only to those Marine service members who were assigned to the unit for the "award period" of the award. Additional awards are denoted by bronze stars 3/16th inch across. Larry has two of these bronze stars on his ribbon.

This ribbon was awarded the 1st Marine Airwing in 1968 for (as documented in Wikipedia): “For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Gong forces in the Republic of Vietnam, from 11 May 1965 to 15 September 1967. Throughout this period, the First Marine Aircraft Wing, operating in I and II Corps tactical -zones of the Republic of Vietnam, North Vietnam, and adjacent waters, sought out and destroyed determined enemy forces and provided combat air support to ground forces of the Free World and the Republic of Vietnam. Participating in 195 major operations, and thousands of other attacks, the Wing continuously and aggressively carried the battle to the elusive enemy in bitterly contested actions. Operations such as DOUBLE EAGLE, HARVEST MOON, STARLITE, HASTINGS, PRAIRIE, UNION, HICKORY, COCHISE, AND SWIFT, reflect the high degree of superior airmanship, valor, devotion to duty and professionalism exhibited by personnel of the Wing. Although heavily committed to increased combat operations, the Wing developed and successfully employed new weapons, tactics, and procedures against the hard-core communist forces with gratifying results. Through the aggressive actions of the Wing, military and political victories were denied the insurgent communist forces, thereby providing a more stable atmosphere for the legally constituted Government of the Republic of Vietnam. The establishment, and logistical support of many separate airfields throughout the I Corps tactical zone and the vital air supply support provided the III Marine Amphibious Force and its allied ground forces, was a tribute to the resourcefulness and determination of the Wing. This dependable support was provided under the most trying and difficult combat conditions. Flying in fair weather and foul, against a fanatical, well-armed enemy, the uncommon courage and intrepidity of the Marine pilots and supporting Wing personnel, acting in a concerted team effort, contributed to another glorious chapter in an already illustrious history. The valor, devotion to duty, aggressive spirit, professionalism, and ingenuity of the entire First Marine Aircraft Wing in battle against a well trained, dangerous, and determined enemy, reflected the highest degree of heroism and exemplary performance, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

● Purple Heart Medal - Awarded in the name of the president to those wounded or killed while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. military. The ribbon is 1 3/8th inches wide with the following stripes: 1/8-inch White 67101; 1-1/8 inches Purple 67115; and 1/8 inch White 67101.

● Air Medal - Awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight and also, frequent, regular basis. Vertical stripes both sides have a 1/16-in. ultramarine blue on the outer, then 1/4-in. golden orange, with 5/8-in ultramarine blue in the center suspending a 1-11/6-in. bronze compass rose with an eagle, in charging flight, carrying two lightning bolts in its’ talons. It is held to the ribbon ring via a fleur-de-lis.

● Bronze Star Medal – This award is earned by exemplary conduct, acts of valor or merit, in ground combat. A “V” in the middle would indicate a even higher degree of valor. Has a 3/16 in. overlaid star in the center of a 1.5-inch star with rays of both stars coinciding. The reverse reads “HEROIC OR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT”. The recipient’s name may be engraved thereon. The ribbon it hangs from by a rectangular hoop, is 1/16-inch narrow on each side than the larger star. The ribbon itself is has very narrow white lines along both sides, then scarlet on each side with the middle having marine blue vertical stripe (4 times the width of the white stripes) with same 1/32-inch vertical white stripes.

● Combat Aircrew Badge – I would be outrageously remiss if I didn’t cover this heroic prestigious insignia, which dates back to May of 1943. Awarded only to those Marines who have served on combat air flights. Silver Wings on each side of a gold disc showing a USMC anchor. Atop are openings for stars. Gold stars are awarded singularly to represent noted actual combat missions.

If memory serves, Larry received a marksman/sniper award during boot camp at Paradise Island (P.I.) or subsequently thereafter. I recall sending him some letters, but not as many as I should have (half-of-a-century hindsight), when he was away. It was Uncle Denis O’Keefe (husband of our mom’s youngest sister Virginia) who used to prompt me to write whenever I saw him during my mid to late teen years. Larry had lived with them, along with our cousins Donna, Denis, Ginger, Barbara, Timmy & Tara.

ESTEEMED ORGANIZATIONS MEMBERSHIPS:

● Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (Ordo Equestris Sancti Sepulcri Hierosolymitani) , more commonly, Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. This Order roots back to 1099 and the “"Defender of the Holy Sepulchre"” Frankish Duke Godfrey of Bouillon.

The sovereign of the Order is The Pope. Headquarters are at the Palazzo Della Rovere in Rome. The Cardinal Grand Master until 2007 was His Eminence Carlo Furno, his successor was Cardinal John Patrick Foley who served until early 2011 being succeeded by Bronx born Cardinal-Deacon Edwin Frederick O'Brien in March of 2012. He actively served as a Chaplain in the military and served in Viet Nam (1971-72).

You’ll note among this memorial’s pictures one with Larry in full regalia outside of St. Patrick’s Cathedral – note the Jerusalem Cross on the left side of his cloak, as ordained by Pope Pius X. Membership is rather exclusive as it’s by invitation only, after being recommended by their local bishop along with several members. Among other things, one has had to distinguished themself for concern of the Christians of the Holy Land.

The order describes the beret of their ceremonial dress and the different rankings signified. “The beret is of black velvet and has a large, soft, draping crown. The head band is also covered with black velvet, and is raised upward on the right front side to a height of 12 cm. On this raised portion is a patch indicating rank: for Knights, a cross on a shield of silver braid; for Knights Commander, the shield is enclosed in a single circle of gold braid; for Knights Commander with Star, two circles of gold braid; for Knights of the Grand Cross, the shield is surrounded by a garland of olive leaves embroidered in gold (see image). The beret is worn with the emblem of rank on the right forehead midway between the eye and ear. The crown is given a little tug to the opposite side to seat the beret properly upon the head.” As shown within this memorial’s photos, Larry was a Knight of the Grand Cross.

● Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick – probably the best, thorough yet relatively concise insight into this society is the address to the Society delivered by Robert J. Reilly (President 2004-2005) at a Stated Meeting held on May 8, 2000. Here are some excerpts. He noted that back in the 1770s, after General Washington’s retreat from Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, he first went to Manhattan and then further up and across the Hudson. Where after, New York City became a British Garrison where they were to be housed by the remaining half of the city’s population - essentially a prison state for 8 years.

Then in November, 1783, while the British were readying to embark from the Battery, Washington marched down “Broad way”, down at lower Broadway he reviewed the Troops and then proceeded to Pine St. to dine with Hercules Mulligan. The city, having been a garrison, was in a devastated condition, with no viable economy, furthered burdened by soldiers returning home.

It was at that time when an Irish emigrate, Daniel McCormick, who resided at 39 Wall St., gathered together a group of friends in December, 1783. It was then that he proposed “the founding of a Society to care for their fellow Irishmen, Irish citizens here in the City”. Mr. Reilly advised that “Daniel McCormick was handsome, clean-shaven, clear eyed and of calm demeanor. He was a stylish dresser. He was a man of considerable substance with a fine reputation for charity and personal probity.” Does that remind you of someone, say, with a well-manicured beard? Mr. Reilly continued “The Society which he proposed had the main purpose of charity. Indeed, in the 1700’s the word ‘friendly’ was synonymous with charity. Its primary meaning was charity. Its secondary meaning was social intercourse.” Hence, the founding of The Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

Further “On March 15, 1784, two days before the first Anniversary Dinner, Daniel McCormick, the founder, and four other members of the Friendly Sons, along with nine others, most notably Alexander Hamilton, founded The Bank of New York. A list of the Society’s members, in fact, reads like a Who’s Who. Among the prominent New Yorkers were the Clintons, previously mentioned, and James Duane, the first Mayor of New York. Most early members of the Society were merchants, not the professional who would later dominate the Society.”

And, “The first meeting of the Society, the first Anniversary Dinner, was held on March 17, 1784 at Cape’s Tavern, the scene of George Washington’s great triumphal return. You also find that the leading members and founders of the Society were involved in other charitable works. Indeed, in 1785, Daniel McCormick, William Constable and Hercules Mulligan founded the New York Society for Promoting the Manumission of Slavery; doing away with slavery in New York.”

Larry’s invitation to membership application was proposed by Judge Thomas Carroll and second by John H. Fitzsimons (Society President 2001 – 2003). Larry also knew then Secretary Raymond C. Teatum and John J. Fitzsimmons.

Over the last nearly 250 years, the Society has maintained a top-rated caliber of membership integrity from the legal and financial professions. What a historically rich society. That’s the Irish!

● St. Patrick's Society of Queens – Larry was a member and at one time a chairman of this society. As Monsignor James Kelly of St. Brigid’s RC Church, Ridgewood, said in his eulogy during Larry’s Funeral Mass at St. Andrew Avellino’s in Flushing: “A faithful husband, a faithful father, a faithful family man, a faithful catholic and a faithful son of Erin, an Irish American in the proud tradition of his ancestors. He invited me to share the dais when he was nominated as Chairman of the St. Patrick’s Society, a fraternal organization that is assembled once a year by the Irish men of Queens county to hear their virtues extolled and their few vices defended.”

Within The New York Times issue of March 18, 1917, over a hundred years-ago, there was a brief announcement of The St. Patrick’s Society of the Borough of Queens, at their annual dinner held on St. Patrick’s Day at the Biltmore, having taken a unanimous resolution to pledge unconditional loyalty to the President during the crisis that was at hand. Judge James J. Conway presided and other speakers included “Federal Judge Martin T. Manton, Justice Henry W. Herbert of Special Sessions and Judge William D. Cunningham.”

LARRY IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION:

● Queens Bar Association - Secretary of the Committee on the Judiciary

● Catholic Lawyers Guild - past chairman of the board of directors.

● NYS Court of Claims (retired), Justice Elect NYS Supreme Court (years earlier interim Supreme Court Justice).

● Brehon Law Society – honoring the ancient laws of Ireland – Breitheamh. Larry was a Grand Brehon.

OTHER COMMUNAL ACTIVITIES:

● Fordham University - Board of Advisors.

● Disabled American Veterans.

HE HIMSELF:

A fine, sharp dresser indeed.

Epitomized the very meaning and essence of He Himself.

His earthly character was truly captured within the published eulogy by the Hon. Rudolph E. Greco Jr. titled “SEMPER FI” noting Larry “was a belated casualty of the Vietnam War”. And, “Larry had no acquaintances. He either knew you or someone who knew you. If he met you and liked you then you were one of his legions of friends and he would do anything for you.” As to his persona “Larry was defined by his quick razor wit; his big, kind and brave heart; his intelligence; his common sense; his loyalty; his sense of humor; his endless story telling (all mostly true) and his impeccably custom-tailored suits. His chambers were impressively decorated. In that room I would greet him as Cardinal Cullen. His silver hair and well-trimmed beard enhanced his regal image even as he devoured a bagel with gobs of extra butter.”

Kevin Sampson, a close friend for over 30 years, in his written eulogy in the Queens County Bar Association bulletin stated “Larry’s life was not an easy one but he possessed a spirit of resilience and good humor that allowed him to overcome pain and misfortune. He never complained. He suffered through personal trials that would have broken a lesser man.” As to Larry’s return back from Nam, “He came home from the war and bounced between jobs. He worked on the floor of the Stock Exchange, an international moving company, and finally, at Skellig’s Delicatessen in Sunnyside. It was here where, I believe, he decided that the law was for him, for he believed that if he could convince people that his rice pudding was any good then he could convince people of anything!” Larry’s daughter Anya Sinead continues on with the practice of making his rice pudding, similarly her brother Patrick Lawrence continues his practice of consuming it. Toward his finish, Kevin, advised that “Anya reminded me, Larry would never say “good bye” but would always say “so long.”

Judge Peter J. Kelly in his written eulogy advised “One of Larry’s permanent, but little known, contributions as a judge was as an advocate for the creation of the Veteran’s Court. Larry worked tirelessly with Judge Lippman and other administrator to ensure this vision became a reality. True to form, when the announcement of the creation of the court was to be made and Larry, along with others who were instrumental in seeing this dream come to fruition, were given invitations to speak at a ceremony, he declined to be a headliner. Instead, he opted to send a heartfelt letter to Judge Lippman, thanking him for helping ensure that veterans who had served our country and subsequently became involved in the legal system due to the stresses they encountered, received help and treatment for their emotional and physical disabilities with the dignity they deserve.” Note that Judge Jonathan Lippman was Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals (NY’s Highest Court).

But the most touching part was in Judge Kelly’s opening “When I confided in several people that I had been asked to speak about Larry’s career as an attorney and judge, and that I felt it was a daunting task, the most common response I received was “Just speak from your Heart.” That is very good advice. The problem remains, however, as to how you can do so when your heart is broken.”

ENDING HIS VISIT PASSING ON RETURNING HOME:

The Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, began on Memorial Day, 2012 and continues through Veterans Day, 2025. The year 2012 marked Larry’s 45th year from when he first went over to Vietnam with his dearly beloved Marines. The year 2017 marked 5 years since his passing on and the 50th year since his initial deployment to Nam.

Larry passed on causal to leptomeningeal myelomatosis from having battled with multiple myeloma for nearly four years. As to the myeloma, Larry was exposed to Agent Orange will serving with The Corps in Nam. He was likely exposed at least a couple of times. Positive, affirmative links have been established between Marines exposed to Agent Orange and blood cancers.

Despite it all, Larry still left in the way he carried himself – as He Himself. At time of departure, it was Larry’s long-time dear friend Monsignor James Kelly, of St. Brigid’s, who gave Larry the last sacrament of “Extreme Unction” (sacramentum exeuntium) or, nowadays, anointing of the sick. Unction, itself, is the actual anointment with blessed ointment while prayers are being said. Our mom, a petite woman, suffered long and hard and was given anointing of the sick, but when it came to her final passing, alongside statues of Sts. Jude and Martin de Porres, she was given Extreme Unction.

Funeral services were by Hillebrand Funeral Homes, an owner being a good friend since their teens was Teddy Hildebrand. Both had good stories to tell of their adventures. Larry knew just about everybody.

There was a glorious funeral mass at St. Andrew Avellino’s R.C. Church in Flushing, Queens, with Monsignor Michael Brennan as the chief officiate. The church itself replaced the older 1915 church, with a new cornerstone blessed on June 4, 1940. While smaller in size than a cathedral, it is very cathedral looking, earning it the nickname of “The Little Cathedral on the Boulevard”. The front of St. Andrew’s faces the northside of Northern Boulevard. It is sited along the westbound lanes toward Larry’s final resting place at 1st Calvary, just across the East River from Manhattan.

The church was filled to capacity, the westward wing of pews was occupied by The Ladies and Knights of The Holy Sepulchre, and, behind them a veritable plethora of judges, all solemn and cloaked in their black robes. The rear of the church, was filled with those standing throughout the ceremony. The eastward wing of pews, filled, first with church’s singers, led by Mr. Joel Saavedra from a podium in the altar area. Then us, his immediate family, and friends from far and wide. Many eulogies were given. I found Monsignor James Kelly’s eulogy most touching, as did my strawberry blonde niece, Anya Sinead, Larry’s most favorite daughter, now following in her dad’s legal footsteps.

After the ceremony, The Ladies and Knights of The Holy Sepulchre, flanked Larry as he preceded down the church steps to his hearst, as the bag piper played. Several limousines followed behind as we all proceeded down Northern Boulevard to the LIE, led and flanked along the entire way, by full police escort. We exited exactly in the area of where our maternal Irish immigrant grandparents, grand uncles, grand aunts, uncles and aunts had once resided. Again, at time of interment his long, faithful friend, Monsignor James Kelly was present. A Marine military burial ceremony proceeded with the folded flag presented to his son, our Patrick Lawrence. Patrick was attired in his Xavier H.S. JROTC uniform, and stood tall. He would make you so proud, a tear would come to the eye. The bag piper played Larry’s final ditty.

While Larry’s Spirit has returned home from his short, but full, visit here, his earthly remains lie in rest just off the rear of the southeast wing of the historic Chapel of 1st Calvary (Old Calvary), in front of and to the right of the final resting place former NYS Governor Al Smith and 1st Roman Catholic Presidential Candidate. Nearby, also in Section 45, is U.S. Senator Robert F. Wagner (Sr.) and his son, Robt. F. Wagner, 3 time Mayor of New York (1954-1965) – refer to picture within our father’s memorial (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/102007933/james_edward-aloysius-cullen).

The formal name for Old Calvary is the St. Callixtus Division (of the 4 Calvary Cemeteries). St. Callixtus was the first superintendent of the Catholic Cemetery along the Appian Way. Callixtus later became the Bishop of Rome (217 A.D.). When Calvary Cemetery was established in 1848, it was accessible from E. 23rd. St. and the river. People were ferried across the East River, this is easily juxtaposed to the mythological River Styx. Larry’s remains are in good stead. He is laid to rest in the shade, among green pasture and flowing water.

While to some this may seem a lengthy memorial, if you knew Larry, then you would know that it’s extremely remiss in accounting some of the stories about our dear departed brother Larry. Many are kept warm within the hearts of his wife, our sister-in-law Margaret, his daughter Anya Sinead, son Patrick Lawrence Daniel Cullen and sister by choice Liz (O’Sullivan) Smith.∼Hon. N.Y.S.Court of Claims Judge,retired,Justice-elect N.Y.S.Supreme Court.Loving, caring husband,father and brother.He will be missed by many,always had a kind word and a twinkle in his eye.