Lawrence J. Keerd
MASSENA - Mr. Lawrence J. "Larry" Keerd, 88, passed away on Friday morning (Sept. 3, 2010) at Massena Memorial Hospital, after being admitted on Thursday from the Highland Nursing Home, where he had been a resident for the past four years.
Larry was born Aug. 17, 1922 in Massena, the son of Michael and Grace Whitford Keerd. He attended schools in Massena.
He entered the U.S. Army Feb. 27, 1943 at Fort Niagara. Serving during World War II as a combat infantryman with the GO Headquarters, 23rd Infantry, 2nd Division, Larry saw action in Normandy, Rhineland, Central Europe, Ardennes, and Northern France, where he was injured during action on Sept. 5, 1944. These injuries resulted being awarded the Purple Heart on Sept. 13, 1944.
Along with the Purple Heart, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 5 bronze stars. Larry received an honorable discharge from the Army on Oct. 12, 1945.
Larry married Glenna F. Mousaw on April 18, 1947 at St. John's Episcopal Church, Massena. She predeceased him on Dec. 13, 1987.
Larry was an inspector in the inspection department at Alcoa and also worked as a dispatcher in the shipping department at one time. He retired in 1983 after 42 years of service.
A proud veteran, he was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Earl J. Santimaw VFW Post 1143, American Legion Post 79, and the Gerald R. Roy Amvets Post 4. He was also a life member of the Old Timers Club and St. John's Episcopal Church.
He enjoyed doing body and fender work on cars, fishing and woodworking. Larry enjoyed spending time with his family and his pets, especially his cat "Duster."
Larry is survived by two daughters, Marjorie Phelix and husband Robert of Bedford, Ind., and Mary Jane Wing and husband Hugh of Massena; two grandsons, Randal J. Phelix of Mitchell, Ind., and Hugh R. Wing of Massena; two great grandchildren, Corinna and Brandon Phelix of Mitchell, Ind.; a sister, Mary Carlson Way and husband John of Mineral Bluff, Ga.; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by an infant daughter at birth, Cathy Ann; a grandson, Steven Wing; a brother, Ervy W. Keerd; and two sisters, Pearl Reger and Dorothy Decker.
Friends may call Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. with Rev. Joel T. Grigg, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by the Gerald R. Roy Amvets Post 4 Rifle Squad and the New York Military Honors Squad will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Area 2, Massena.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley or the Massena Rescue Squad.
Condolences may be made online at www.donaldsonfh.com .
