ROCKLAND — Lawrence A. “Larry” Emerson passed away peacefully Jan. 3, 2015, at VA Maine Healthcare Nursing Home, Togus, with his family at his side.

Born in Gardiner on Feb. 13, 1944, he was the son of James H. and Marjorie E. Flagg Emerson. He was raised in the Gardiner-Hallowell area and attended local schools. He then entered the U.S. Navy, where his primary duty was aboard the USS Essex, patrolling the East Coast.

Following his separation from active military, he returned to Maine. He married Barbara Ann Eddy in Waldoboro on April 16, 1966. The couple made their first home there, and later resided in Wellesley, Mass., for three years. Moving back to Maine, they settled in Rockland in 1971.

Larry began his career as an auto mechanic, until stricken with multiple sclerosis in 1974. For the past 28 years he resided at the nursing home at Togus, where the staff became part of his family. He enjoyed visiting with everyone on campus during his “morning walks.” He was an avid bingo player, and rarely missed the games. He also collected contributions for the annual MS Walkathon.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; two daughters and their husbands, Elizabeth A. and Robert Bentley, and Patricia L. and Clifford Davis, all of Rockland; five brothers and their wives, James W. Emerson of Farmington, Randolph H. and Sandra Emerson of Waldoboro, David M. and Charlotte Emerson of Rockport, Terry W. and Elaine Emerson of Friendship, and Harold H. “Rusty” Emerson and his companion, Paula, of Waldoboro; six grandchildren and their spouses, Amber and Travis Rupe, Tabetha Flanders and Brian Campbell, Katherine Bentley, Johnathan Burch and Keshia Robbins, Katrina Burch and Dwayne Robinson, and Elizabeth and Nathen LeMay; two stepgrandchildren, Brea Bentley abd Natasha Lamontagne; as well as several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his infant brother, Peter J. Emerson; and his sister, Janet M. Seigars.

Visiting hours (a remembrance gathering) will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A graveside service with military honors will be held at Shuman Cemetery in Waldoboro in the spring and will be announced.

Because of Larry's annual support of MS, memorial donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Maine Chapter, 74 Gray Road, Falmouth, ME 04105 are suggested.