Lawrence "Larry" R. Ghilarducci Jr.'s Obituary
Lawrence R. Ghilarducci, Jr
August 5, 1933 - December 8, 2025
Lawrence Ralph Ghilarducci, Jr. was the oldest son of Lawrence “Gilly” and Dorothy “Dottie” Ghilarducci. His childhood was spent cavorting on Lake Steilacoom alongside his brothers George and Joe, both of whom predeceased him later in life. After graduating with honors from Clover Park High School in 1951, Larry spent a year at Yale before transferring to Stanford University to complete his undergraduate and law degrees, playing basketball at both schools.
Upon returning to Tacoma, Larry began his long and distinguished career at Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell. After many years as a devoted bachelor, a blind date introduced Larry to the love of his life, his wife of 61 years, Ann. Together, they purchased their lifelong home on Lake Steilacoom where they raised their three daughters. Life in a household with a wife, three daughters, and a revolving cast of animals brought never-ending energy, occasional well-timed sass, and plenty of evidence that, even when outnumbered, his love and dedication to his family never wavered.
One of Larry and Ann’s most memorable adventures together was a three-month sabbatical spent traveling around the world, a journey that produced unforgettable stories and the quiet triumph of coming home still happily married.
Larry was deeply committed to his community, contributing his time and leadership to a wide range of local organizations, among them Tacoma Rotary #8 and the Tacoma Country & Golf Club. His most notable public service was his 38-year tenure as a Lakewood Water District commissioner.
Larry was known for his dignity, steady presence, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. He lived a life defined not by grand gestures, but by the quiet reliability that anchored everyone around him. Leading through example, he demonstrated what it meant to live honorably and with humility.
As he wished, Larry passed away peacefully in his home of 61 years. Larry is survived by his wife Ann, children Vicki (Ken), Dana (Blake), Jane (Loren), six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren (a third on the way), and many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Christine, Andrea, Maria, Joyce, Juster, Faith and Damaris who provided such loving care in his final years. We will forever cherish the strength, gentleness, and constancy he brought to our lives.
A celebration of life will be scheduled for a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Larry’s memory would be gratefully appreciated.
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