Obituary of Lawrence "Larry" J Knowles

Lawrence "Larry" Knowles, of Billerica, formerly of Burlington, passed away after a long illness on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the age of 67. Larry was a devoted family man, a successful business owner, and a dedicated community member. He was one of eleven children born to Eugene and Jeanne Knowles and grew up in Burlington, where he was a member of the Burlington High School Class of 1976. During his high school years, he was a talented gymnast. After graduation, he furthered his education by earning an associate’s degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology.

From an early age, Larry discovered his passion for working with his hands. Whether working alongside his father on household projects or with his brother Ken in auto body, he enjoyed creating things. Larry went on to become a machinist, working for several companies including Harvard, Smithsonian and Wellesley College and co-owning a machine shop before opening his own business, PRC Machine and Design, in 2011. Additionally, Larry taught students at both Wellesley College and through a short stint of night classes at Shawsheen Technical High School, inspiring students to bring their ideas to life. He was highly respected in his field, with many reaching out to him to solve problems that others had struggled with.

But Larry was much more than a typical machinist; he thought like an engineer and worked like an artist. Specializing in prototype machining, he worked on complex parts for satellites, one of which is currently circling the sun, portable MRI and mammogram machines, and folding bicycle technologies for the military, amongst many others. Larry even worked onsite at an observatory in Chile, home to the highest telescope on Earth. Larry also had a close connection with his father-in-law and brother-in-law through their business, Peerless Reels Inc, a hand-crafted fly-fishing reel company, where Larry designed and manufactured these one-of-a-kind reels for fishermen across the United States, Japan, Europe, and beyond. Fly fishing was a passion shared by Larry and his family, and they traveled throughout New England, the U.S., and Canada to fish in some of the best trout and salmon spots in the world. Countless stories were shared about the big catches, the ones that got away, and the camaraderie built through fishing, traveling, and time spent together. Larry passed down his love of fishing to his sons, both of whom worked for Peerless Reels, and to his grandson Andrew.

A strong believer in community involvement, Larry coached both of his sons in baseball, taught gymnastics at the Boys and Girls Club in Billerica, and was always present at his sons' other sports, activities, and school events. He was a member of the Middlesex Deputy Sheriff Association for many years and spent over ten years with the Ancients and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. As a Lieutenant for the AHAC, he participated in parades, holiday events, ceremonial occasions, Governor's swearing-in ceremonies and many other activities and charitable events.

As a husband, father, and grandfather, Larry always put his family first. He started dating his wife, Sue, through mutual friends when he was 20 years old. They married at age 22 and settled in Billerica in 1982 to raise their two sons. Larry was a strong role model, balancing a strong work ethic with a deep sense of community and family. He loved sharing his knowledge and skills with his sons—whether teaching them sports, shooting, fishing together, working on home projects, or making fishing reels. Nothing made him prouder or happier than being an active part of his sons' lives. When he became a grandfather, he embraced his new role as "Grampy" with joy. He delighted in playing games, spoiling his grandchildren, and even introducing them to machine tools, working together with his grandson Andrew on a whistle project. He cherished family hikes, camping & fishing trips, and RV adventures with his family. Family vacations to Cape Cod and spending time at Pine Pond with family and friends, and with his wife and close friends at Silver Lake in Belmont NH, were highlights. Larry loved ending the day with a well-made, bone-dry martini and the occasional good cigar on vacation. The last family vacation, taken just last year, included travels to England, Rome, and Sorrento, creating memories that will be cherished forever.

Larry was the beloved husband of 45 years of Suzanne “Sue” (Corsetti) Knowles.  He was the proud father of Steven Knowles & his wife Julie of Chelmsford, and Matthew Knowles & his wife Megan of Westford.  He was the fun and loving “Grampy” of Andrew and Killian.  He was the beloved brother of Richard Knowles & his wife Kathleen of Reading, Kathleen Cesere of ME, Denis Knowles of Bellows Falls VT, Kenneth Knowles & his wife Catherine of Spencer, William Knowles & his wife Karen of Auburn NH, Patricia Talas & her husband Peter of Haverhill, Laura Knowles of Brookline NH, Robert Knowles of New Ipswich NH, John Knowles and his wife Natalie of Wakefield, Steven Knowles of Billerica and brother in-law Robert Corsetti & his wife Julie of Woburn MA.  He was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Larry fought a courageous battle with cancer for nearly two years. Though he gave it his all, the illness proved too much. Larry lived a full and meaningful 67 years, surrounded by family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home on 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Tuesday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  At 12:30 there will be a time of Remembering and Sharing at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Dana-Farber.Jimmyfund.org  or mailed to  Friends of Dana-Farber, 450 Brookline Ave, SW120, Boston, MA 02215. A general donation can be made or you can specify Lung Cancer with a note under Gift Information for Neuroendocrine Cancer.  https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2100&mfc_pref=T&2100.donation=form1