Laurence (“Larry”) Kevin Ferguson, exceptional husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away on March 29, 2026 after 81 years of a life well lived. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen (“Kathy”), of nearly 50 years; adult children Shauna (John) of Alexandria, VA and Meghan (Jay) of Ashburn, VA; four grandchildren – Isla and Jack Marvel and Bennett and Mackenzie Geyer; and sister Kathleen and brother Edmund. Larry was preceded in death by his siblings Charles, Michael, Eileen, and James.

Larry was born on January 9, 1945 in Brooklyn, NY. He was the youngest of seven children born to Irish immigrant parents, Charles Ferguson and Anne McGuigan. He enjoyed playing baseball and spending time with his siblings and friends. He graduated high school early at age 17.

On October 5, 1965, at 20 years of age, he joined the US Army. Upon earning his paratrooper silver wings after completing jump school and advanced individual training, Larry became an infantry soldier in Vietnam (1966-1967). He received the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device while serving, which was awarded to him for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. He saved many lives due to his acts of bravery on December 17, 1966.

After leaving the military, he excelled in a business career in high technology sales to the US Federal Government. To his family, he was also a notable historian. He was a voracious reader and had a library full of books.

In 1975, he met his great companion, Kathy, in Virginia. He long appreciated her selflessness, spontaneity, silliness, and cheerful personality. Larry and Kathy raised two daughters, Shauna and Meghan, in Oakton, VA. He was devoted to his girls and took immense joy in raising them. He offered wisdom constantly (“spend yourself in a worthy cause,” “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again,” and “carpe diem!”) and shared thoughts on old records and great movies. He was there to strategize before a cross country or swim race, and was undoubtedly the loudest cheerleader at any meet. He invented the “Safe and Sound” or “SAS” text, that he asked his girls to send him any time they left the house and arrived at their destination to ensure that they were safe. He was always ready with a tool to help with a house project – learning as he built and striving for perfection.

He took great joy in his four grandchildren, marveling at the individuals that they were becoming. He also regularly emphasized how important it is to “let them be little.” He deeply valued his siblings and extended family and his phone calls with them. He was an avid baseball fan – first for the Brooklyn Dodgers, then the Washington Nationals. He was thrilled to see the Washington Commanders return to the playoffs in 2024 after rooting for them for decades.

To those who knew him, he was always telling a joke and he was an incredible storyteller. He enjoyed making others laugh. He was exceptionally bright and a lifelong learner. Perhaps what defined him the most was his resilience. Rarely did he complain and he always remained an optimist, even in the most challenging of circumstances, especially as he faced health setbacks in recent years. He will forever be remembered as strong, thoughtful, and kind. He was a role model and he was deeply loved.

A funeral mass will take place at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 11900 Lawyers Road, Reston, VA 20191 on Friday, April 17th at 11:00AM, followed by a reception from 12:00 - 2:00PM at the church. The mass will be live-streamed at this link: https://shorturl.at/VFtAk and it will go live 10 minutes before the start of the service. A military burial will follow at a later date.

Please consider making a donation in Larry’s memory to the Ronald McDonald House or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.