OBITUARY: Larry O'Keefe

[The following obituary is courtesy of .]

Attorney Lawrence J. “Larry” O’Keefe, age 75, a lifetime resident of Peabody,  died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband to Nancy B. (Matson) O’Keefe with whom he shared 52 years of marriage.

Besides his loving wife Nancy, he leaves four children: Lawrence Jr. and his wife Renee of Northborough, Brian and his wife Joanne of Topsfield, Lori Burke and her husband Jay of Reading and Gary of Peabody. He also leaves nine loving grandchildren: Karissa, Deanna, Julia, Jack, Liam, Caroline, Victoria, Emily and Thomas. He is survived by his two brothers Louis O’Keefe and wife Patricia of Lynnfield, and Robert O’Keefe of Danvers, along with several nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Peabody High School and Merrimack College, he went on to receive his law degree from Suffolk University. Larry started his career as an Assistant Attorney General in Massachusetts under Robert H. Quinn, he then went on to serve as Assistant District Attorney in Essex County under John P. S. Burke, while maintaining his private law practice for over 40 years. He will be remembered most for his gifted legal mind and dedication to Peabody, where he served as City Solicitor for 28 years under Mayor Peter Torigian and Mayor Michael Bonfanti.

Larry enjoyed politics, baseball, golf and hockey and was co-captain of the Merrimack College hockey team. He loved traveling with his wife Nancy and spending time with his children and grandchildren. His genuine care and concern for everyone was his trademark and his smile and sense of humor were ever present. He served on the board of several charities including Making a Difference in Peabody, JB Thomas/Lahey Clinic Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Friscoes Athletic Scholarship Committee and the Peter A. Torigian International Festival Scholarship Fund. In 2009, the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce honored Larry for his leadership and community service with the "Harry Ankeles Person of the Year Award."

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Friday Oct. 5, 2012 at 10 a.m. from the , 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Adelaide’s Church, Peabody. Visiting hours will be held Thursday from 4-8 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Expressions of sympathy may be made to either North Shore ARC, 64 Holten St., Danvers, MA 01923 or to Making a Difference in Peabody Foundation, 29 Lowell St. Suite 6, Peabody, MA 01960.