Edward C. Larrivee's Obituary
Edward C. Larrivee, 82, Dover businessman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on January 20, 2025, at his home in Dover, Delaware surrounded by his family.
Born December 6, 1942, he was raised in Tuckahoe, New York, and graduated from Eastchester High School where he met several lifelong friends. After graduation, he attended aeronautical school, and in 1965 enlisted in the United States Army. He was assigned to serve as part of the Nike-Hercules Missile Program. Stationed in Korea during his last year of service, he obtained a black belt in judo, an accomplishment of which he was very proud. While there, he competed as part of the United Nations Judo Team. A proud patriot, Edward served honorably until his discharge in 1968. He was devoted to his country and considered his military service among the most important experiences of his life, providing him with a deep sense of discipline, resilience, and service to others, values he carried with him throughout his life.
Family connections led Edward to relocate from New York to Dover. For over fifty years, Edward served his community as an independent business owner. The furniture stripping business he established in 1973 on South Governor Avenue would become a specialty hardware store in the 1990s. Larrivee Designer Hardware was well known to those restoring antique furniture and historic houses. He had an extensive stock of reproduction hardware and was willing to search for rare items to fulfill customer’s needs. His expertise and warm personality always made customers feel welcome.
Ed was famous for his witticisms and was a master at making people laugh. An early passion for coin collecting led to collecting old hardware and car memorabilia in his later years. Over his lifetime, he owned several old cars, most recently a 1974 MGB. He loved spending time at the beach, and some of his happiest moments were his time spent there with family.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward T. and Louise Schorske Larrivee. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joan Norton Larrivee; their four children, Kathryne (Chris) Peterson, Anne Larrivee (Brian Mintey), Carolyn (Aaron) Harris, and Edward C. Larrivee; and three grandchildren, Savannah and Maddox Peterson, and Perrin Mintey. Ed’s zest for life, quick wit, and the ability to bring a smile to those he loved will be dearly missed. His legacy of love, dedication, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 30, at 11:00 am, Whatcoat U.M. Church, 16 North Main Street, Camden, DE. Visitation will take place Wednesday, January 29, between 4:00 and 7:00 pm at the Trader Funeral Home, 12 Lotus Street, Dover, DE. A private burial in the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Bear, DE will take place at a later date. Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Legion or Delaware Hospice. Letters of condolences can be sent to www.traderfh.com.
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