Larry Field
Lawrence "Larry" Harris Field, a devoted father, proud patriot, and a man whose easy laugh and generous spirit left an indelible mark on everyone he met, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, at the age of 92.
A Life of Service, Wild Blue Skies, Friendship and Fishing
Born on June 16, 1934, in Watkins Glen, New York, to Arthur and Beatrice Field, Larry grew up with an active spirit alongside his older brother, Brian Field, who preceded him in death a few years ago. In high school, Larry served as a class officer and kept the beat for the marching band on the snare drum. He carried that energy to Syracuse University, graduating in 1956 with a degree in business. He was a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
Following graduation, Larry answered the call to duty, commissioning into the United States Air Force through the ROTC. It was the beginning of a distinguished 22-year military career that spanned some of the most critical chapters of modern history. In August 1957, he married Nancy Elizabeth Love, and they shared their lives together until her passing in 2011. Following the loss of his wife, Larry was fortunate to find deep friendship and wonderful companionship later in life with Nancy Yost of Rochester, New York.
As an Air Force navigator, Larry flew refueling missions during the height of the Cold War. During the Vietnam War, he flew 210 combat missions with the famed "Young Tigers" refueling squadron based in Thailand. The squadron was legendary among fighter pilots for their unwavering reliability, always ensuring they were exactly where they needed to be to save fighter pilots running dangerously low on fuel. Stationed at times in Greenland and Alaska, he carried the heavy weight of the era's stakes; he recalled the chilling instructions that if nuclear war broke out, his crew was to fly as far north as possible, refuel the bombers, and bail out over the Arctic near the North Pole.
Transitioning to Technology
As his Air Force career wound down in the late 1970s, Larry's sharp mind transitioned into the emerging world of early computer systems. This technical expertise laid the foundation for a successful second career in information technology and systems analysis. Upon his Air Force retirement, Larry and Nancy relocated to Scottsdale and later Fountain Hills, Arizona, where he worked for the city of Mesa for many years. One of his proudest professional achievements was playing a key role on the team that designed and implemented IBM's first network of PCs for the judicial and court system. He always delighted in telling his family that he had "helped automate the judges."
Trolling for Trout and Bridging Friendships
Larry earned an early retirement at age 62, which unlocked a joyful new era centered around his love of fishing. He returned to his roots each summer, heading back to the Watkins Glen area to fish for Lake Trout on Seneca Lake. Based out of a rental cabin near the town of Valois, Larry spent countless hours on the water with his close friend and master fisherman, Max Freeman, nearby. The generosity and companionship of Max and his wife, Mary Alice, defined those summer days.
Later in life, Larry moved to Legacy Estates in Lincoln, Nebraska, to be closer to family. He quickly became a beloved fixture in the community, renowned for his friendly smile and easy laugh. Larry was known for his Bridge skills within the residence, playing daily, and was a formidable Bingo competitor, too. Rather than keeping his winnings of peanuts and candy bars for himself, he used the peanuts to cultivate a dedicated circle of friends outside his sliding glass door, feeding the squirrels, ducks, and birds in the courtyard.
A Legacy of Love
Above all of Larry's adventures and accomplishments, family mattered most. His small apartment at the Legacy was a family gallery adorned with photographs of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether on a phone call or during a visit, he wanted to know, "What are the kids up to?"
Larry is survived by his three sons and their families, who carry forward his legacy of kindness and strength. The family has grown to include 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and another precious great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by beloved nieces and nephews.
His immediate surviving family includes: David and his wife Stacey, along with his son Ryan (wife Sarah) and their two children, his daughter Erin (husband Andrew) and their two children, and their son Cameron. Kevin and his wife Terry, along with their daughters Alyssa (husband Nick) and their two children, Kailey (husband Steven), and Shannon (husband Dan) and their child. Steven and his companion Joy, along with his son Tyler (wife Taylor) and their child, his son Tanner (wife Mackenzie) who are expecting a baby this August, and his son Jordan.
Larry lived a life that measured high in courage, deep in intellect, and vast in kindness. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends from New York to Nebraska, and the many lives he touched along the way.
The family will receive friends at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen on October 10, from 10 am-12 pm; followed by a memorial service at 12 pm. Following the interment at Glenwood Cemetery, a reception will be held at the Watkins Glen Elks Lodge.