Obituary of Lawrence S. Kuhn

Lawrence S. Kuhn, a retired Cambridge Firefighter, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday morning, April 17, 2018. He was 82 years old. Larry was born in Boston. He was one of 4 children born to Gustave and Felicia Kuhn. He grew up in East Boston and in Cambridge. He was a graduate of Rindge Tech High School. As a child it was Larry’s dream to become a firefighter. As a teenager, he served in the Cambridge Auxiliary Fire Department. After graduating from high school, he enlisted into the Army. He was just 17 years old. Larry served 3 years during the Korean War as a Specialist Third Class. He spent most of his service time at Fort Lewis in the State of Washington and was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal. Larry’s dream to become a firefighter took several years after returning from the military. One of his happiest days was when he learned that he would become a Cambridge firefighter. He spent 39 years as a firefighter all of which were at the Cambridge Fire Department Headquarters in Harvard Square. His first 2 years were on Rescue One and the remainder were spent manning Engine 1. Being a firefighter was in his blood. He always placed the residents of Cambridge safety first. He fought house fires, responded to medical emergencies, accidents, and whatever other crisis the fire department responded to. Over the years, he proudly collected memorabilia from his years on the force. He was decorated for saving a woman from a burning building while off duty. Even when he was on vacation at Squam Lake, he ran to assist the local volunteer fire department battling a house fire. His job gave him a sense of purpose and he was destined to serve others. Larry was a man that was dedicated to his family. In addition to his day job, he worked nights for over 30 years at the Star Market in Porter Square, so he could better provide for his family. He was the loving and doting husband to his wife Ann for 42 years. They loved visiting New Hampshire and Cape Cod and made a point to visit light houses and cover bridges all over New England. He was a strong role model for his 2 children. Larry was always there to support and encourage them. In his final years, his children were his caregivers and support network. When his grandchildren were born, he became a doting grandfather. He would read to them, take them for walks, color, play games, give them little gifts, and always wanted to hold them as infants. He was so proud to have recently brought them to his old station in Cambridge to show them where he worked and let them see the engines. He was a loyal friend who was always there with a helping hand or a kind word. Larry was proud to serve his Cambridge Community, work with great friends, and to have a family whom he cherished. Larry was the beloved husband of the late Ann M. (Nee). Loving father of Lawrence Kuhn, Jr. of Billerica, formerly of Derry, NH and Phyllis Tanso & her husband Paul of Windham, NH. Proud grandfather of Joseph S. Kuhn and Ella, Jack & Abigail Tanso all of Windham, NH. Brother of Patricia (Kuhn) Bonita of Winthrop , Michael Kuhn of Wilmington and the late Paul Kuhn. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Thursday, April 19 from 4-8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Paul’s Church, 29 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge on Friday, April 20 at 10 a.m. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Memorials in Larry’s name may be made to Cambridge Firefighters Relief Association, 167 Lexington Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138 www.cambridgelocal30.org