Obituary of Larry M. McQuilkin

Laurence “Larry” McQuilkin, a kind-hearted and loving man who had a gift for bringing joy to others, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the age of 79 after a brief illness.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Larry was one of five children of Ronald and Elizabeth (Greenwood) McQuilkin. He grew up in Woburn, surrounded by great friends, many of whom became lifelong companions.

A 1963 graduate of Woburn High School, Larry was a member of the varsity basketball team, and one of his proudest accomplishments was playing with that team in the Boston Garden. Larry later attended the Massachusetts College of Art.

Shortly after high school, Larry’s brother Ronnie introduced him to Kathy Small, who became the love of Larry’s life. They were together for 60 years and would have celebrated their 55th Anniversary on Valentine’s Day. Their great love and affection for each other resulted in three children, five grandchildren, and what seems like multiple lifetimes of memories, laughs, and stories that are told and re-told, and sometimes exaggerated, at family gatherings.

Larry had such a charismatic nature and unique ability to connect with people in the most genuine of ways. Outgoing, gregarious, blessed with an infectious and unforgettable laugh, and always ready to make a new friend, Larry had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel special, and nobody was a stranger.

He worked as a banking officer at Somerset Savings Bank for many years, and later with U.S. Trust, Citizens Bank, and MRO Software.

But above all, Larry’s life was defined by his deep love for his family. Growing up, Larry was the glue of his family, the big brother who took care of his siblings. As an adult, he was the patriarch of the McQuilkin Clan, always there with a helping hand for any of his siblings, nieces, or nephews. As Larry’s mother once said, “Larry would give you the shirt off his back in a snowstorm.”

Larry had a strong sense of community. He volunteered as a basketball coach for the Woburn Church League, and later coached Little League Baseball and Recreation Department Basketball in Burlington when his children were young.

Cheering on his children and grandchildren at sporting events, or traveling hundreds of miles to catch a game, Larry was always present for the milestones of his loved ones. His excitement grew even more when both of his sons played college basketball, and he delighted in attending every game he could. And when his grandchildren entered the picture, Larry’s support only increased—he was a constant presence at their basketball, soccer, and football games, always cheering, and sometimes even offering the referees advice on the three-second rule or foul calls. Amazingly, his five grandchildren, all of whom play multiple sports, have never committed a foul, penalty, or turnover.  To Larry, his grandchildren are infallible.

Larry’s special bond with his daughter Kerry was something to behold, as they shared their unique, Leo sense of humor, exchanging jokes and funny texts daily – one of which was mistakenly sent to Father Mahoney, prompting the need for an immediate apology text.

Larry was an avid traveler who cherished family vacations, from summers at Hampton Beach, Maine, and Washington, D.C., and family trips to California, Virginia Beach, and Tennessee to cheer on Liz at soccer tournaments.  Larry and Kathy also enjoyed numerous cruises to the Caribbean and Bermuda, and stays in Aruba. Their most recent adventure was a trip to Ogunquit last October.

Always active and on the go, Larry enjoyed regular walks with Kathy and was a fixture at Peoplefit Health and Fitness Center, where he relished the camaraderie as much as the workouts. He loved hiking and golf, often hitting the links with his children, grandsons, and friends at local courses. Though he never quite managed a hole-in-one, his last putt while golfing with his children was a thing of beauty that Kerry caught on video. Larry treasured the game and the friendships it brought.

Larry’s charm was in his ability to make everyone feel welcome and appreciated. With a sharp wit and incredible memory, he could recall names, stories, and even poems from his school days. His kindness and genuine concern for others were evident wherever he went, and his daily walks around Horn Pond were often lengthened by the many conversations he had with neighbors and friends.

Larry was a constant, loving presence in the lives of those who knew him. He was always encouraging, always appreciative, and always there when you needed him. Though his presence will be deeply missed—whether in the stands or at family gatherings—the love and memories he leaves behind will continue to bring joy and comfort to all who were lucky enough to know him.

Larry's legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched with his warmth, humor, and devotion. He will be dearly missed.

The family is certain that if Larry could tell you the highlights of his life, it would consist largely of a string of the accomplishments of his loved ones: Watching Kaden and Riley win high school championships in football and wrestling, cheering Alex and Annie on as they played soccer and basketball together for Wayland High School, including a league title in basketball. Or watching Sam make brilliant plays in a soccer tournament, rip down rebounds on the court, or his famous 60-yard touchdown run. 

But for his family, their highlights would also include the perfect simplicity of time spent with those you love: Quiet time with Kathy, enjoying the family they created, making pancakes for Kaden and Riley after Friday morning basketball, performing his famous “Egg Trick” for the family on Christmas Eve, texting sports trivia questions to Sam, playing cards with Alex, discussing basketball strategy with Annie, monthly breakfasts with Kerry at the Blue Moon Grill in Wakefield, shooting baskets with Mike and Scott and passing on his love of the game, legendary backyard whiffle ball games, or simply filling the room up with his infectious and famous laugh – a sound that his family would give anything to hear just one more time.

Larry was the beloved husband of 55 years to Kathleen (Small) McQuilkin.  He was the loving father of Michael McQuilkin of Woburn, Kerry McQuilkin & her partner Sean Riley of Lynnfield, and Scott McQuilkin & his wife Liz of Wayland.  He was the brother of Michael McQuilkin of Tewksbury & his late wife Jo Anne, Marilyn McQuilkin of Somerville, David McQuilkin of Upton, and the late Ronnie McQuilkin & his surviving wife Lois of Westborough.  He was the proud Grampy of Kaden, Riley, Alex, Annie, and Sam. He was also the proud Grampy to his two grand-dogs, Muffin and JJ. Larry was the brother-in-law of Maureen Farrow of Burlington & her late husband Richard, Anne Berger Small of Woburn & her late husband William, Shirley Small of Poquoson, VA & her late husband Harold, and the late Patricia Ward.  Larry is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Sunday January 26 from 3-6 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Monday, January 27 at 9 a.m. and will conclude with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.  Memorials in Larry’s name may be made to People Helping People, www.peoplehelpingpeopleinc.org,  PO. Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803.  For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net