Lawrence H. Foley of Milton and Humarock, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on May 20, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Sheila (Sullivan) Foley in 2011. He is survived by his four children, Lawrence and his wife Kimberly of Milton, Joanne Luca and her husband Chris of Milton, Sean and his wife Melissa of Braintree and Shelagh O’Brien and her husband Chris of Milton.

He was the beloved “Papa” to 12 grandchildren – Meghan, Emma and Ashley Foley, Jack and Bobby Luca, Taylor, Sheila, Seamus and Charlotte Foley and Ciara, Mairead and Braeden O’Brien. Showering them with love and leadership on a daily basis, he created a special bond with each of his grandchildren. He regularly attended their games, dance recitals and school events and without fail remembered their birthdays with a highly cherished card.

Larry grew up in Brookline, a proud resident of The Farm. He attended St. Mary’s elementary school and was a 1954 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. He then went on to graduate from Boston College, completing a lifetime of Catholic Education. Larry dedicated his life to helping others, professionally and most importantly philanthropically, supporting countless charitable organizations. He served in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Dix, NJ. Larry was a proud member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.

He was the consummate salesman, driven to succeed by a work ethic instilled in him by his parents and perhaps from his early work experience as a Bat Boy for the Boston Red Sox from 1950-1954, accompanying the team on a road trip each summer. Perhaps it was on these road trips that ignited his love of travel and adventure. Certainly, his experience with the Red Sox provided him with countless tales and funny stories that he would share for years.

He pursued his professional career with enthusiasm and determination. After years of working for larger companies, he founded his own distribution business in 1975, independently representing various medical device manufacturers. Later, he established Life Instrument Corporation, a manufacturer of specialty surgical instruments for Orthopedic and Spine Surgery. He promoted his instruments at Medical Conventions all over the world. He was a fixture at Spine Conferences, displaying his products and establishing relationships with surgeons, nurses and industry professionals who he would welcome into his booth with his infectious smile.

He loved his work and travelled extensively to promote his products but he was most happy to be surrounded by his family with a cold glass of Chardonnay. He enjoyed “Life on the River” in Humarock and a seat at the bar at the Bridgwaye Inn. He looked forward to his weekly dinners with friends at La Scala, Abby Park, Common Market and Wollaston Golf Club. He had countless friends, all were entertained by his charming personality, quick wit and at times rascally sense of humor.

Larry was the brother of Lorraine Kickham and the late Elaine Engel and Sally Foley. He was the son of Sarah (Langdon) and Lawrence Foley of Brookline. He was the brother-in-law of Joan and Dave McLucas of Winchester, Maureen and the late Charles O’Neil of Orlando, Joseph and the late Eileen Leary and Frank Engel of Winchester. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved Uncle Larry. In recent years he enjoyed a friendship with Margo Brunelli of Harwich Port and Pompano Beach, Florida.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth Church, 350 Reedsdale Road, Milton, Saturday, May 29 at 10:00 AM. To view the live stream of Larry’s funeral Mass at 10:00 AM, please click here: Livestream Service

Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, East Milton, Friday, 3:00 – 7:00 PM. Interment Milton Cemetery. Relatives and friends invited.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry, c/o St. Teresa of Calcutta, 800 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA 02125, Memo line: In memory of Lawrence Foley or The Foley Family Paraganglioma Fund at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Attn. Angelle M. Kettlewell, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445, Memo line: Foley Family Fund wwwdanafarber.org/give.