Laurence J. "Larry" Kidney, 76, passed away December 27, 2024, peacefully at home after a year long struggle with Parkinson’s. He is survived by his brother William A. Kidney and his devoted wife Maryellen (Mickey) Kidney. Larry will be remembered as hilariously funny and quick witted, incredibly kind, extremely talented in all ways with his hands, his tools and his head, the hardest worker one could know, never a quitter, a fast and dedicated marathoner and road runner, considerate. He was a man of impeccable integrity. In an instant he was there to help a neighbor with a fallen tree or to clear snow, or to rush headlong and without hesitation into the current to rescue a swimmer in need.
Larry touched lives, and those who knew him were privileged to witness the several loyal and true 7 decade long friendships he nurtured since childhood - local Framingham, MA boys being boys, school chums at St Sebastian’s Prep School, fellow waiters at Ken’s Steak House, Falmouth and 1283, and all those years building out Rugged Bear stores all over New England with his brother and his pals as crew.
Larry built his first house, a log cabin, while living in Aspen, CO where he learned to ski like the wind and roll a kayak in the rapids. He came back to MA to care for his aging mother Anna, spent weekends at The Point in Westport and eventually retired to Westport where he met his best friend and wife Mickey in 1995 and wed on Boat Beach in 2008.
Larry never stopped building: sheds, outdoor showers, docks piers and ramps for The Back Eddy and Spindle Rock Boat Club. An artsy flair here and there. Every single person who has witnessed what Larry built in his back 3 Acre yard is in awe of how absolutely incredible it all is. Brambles and briars pulled by hand, cedar trees felled for garden fence posts, tiered gardens like Tuscany, stone walls built and boulders relocated along “Larry’s road” circling the bounds. It all stands as a true testament to the man.
Many praises to our Lord and Savior for the blessings in our lives: our very special family, friends, neighbors, and community that is Westport. Thanks to the incredible staff at Clifton Rehab, to Larry’s devoted therapists and caregiver, and to Hope Health Hospice. There are no words to express the gratitude for and blessing that is Dr. Michael Campbell.
Services will be private.