Gilbert Lawrence "Larry" Coe Jr.

Gilbert Lawrence “Larry” Coe Jr., age 92, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026.

Born on December 27, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, Larry was the oldest child of Gilbert Lawrence Coe, Sr., and Julia Marie (Reboli) Coe.

Larry grew up in Livingston, New Jersey, and graduated from Caldwell High School, where he played the trumpet and ran track. From an early age, he loved math, science, and cars, interests that stayed with him throughout his life. After high school, he raced stock cars and served for two years in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He later attended aeronautics school and became an aircraft mechanic, beginning a long career in the airline industry.

An excellent skater, Larry met his future wife, Carol Diane Swartz, at a roller rink. The two married in 1960 and began their life together in Rockaway, New Jersey, where they started their family before relocating to Duxbury, Massachusetts, following Larry’s job transfer to Boston.

Larry embraced life in Duxbury with enthusiasm. For much of the year, he could be found tending his organic garden, starting seedlings in a cold frame, and checking on “his babies” the moment he returned home from work. Long before it was common practice, he composted and enriched his garden with manure from a nearby dairy farm and seaweed from the beach. In winter, he was the dad patiently lacing up skates for neighborhood kids at the cranberry bog. He also enjoyed skiing and played in a men’s hockey league.

Larry was an avid sports fan who loved football, hockey, and golf. He had a deep appreciation for the ocean, especially floating on the waves and sailing in Duxbury Bay. He was also a devoted fan of science fiction, especially Star Trek, and a lifelong jazz enthusiast. Never one to stop learning, he taught himself to play the piano as an adult. As an airline employee, Larry enjoyed traveling, visiting many tropical destinations with Carol as well as various locations throughout Europe.

Taking advantage of early retirement, the Coes moved to rural Pennsylvania, where Larry fulfilled a lifelong dream of living on and working the land. On their forty-acre property, he expanded his organic garden, rode his tractor, and immersed himself in country life.

In later years, Larry and Carol settled on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where he enjoyed a quieter pace of life. He spent his days flying all over the world using his flight simulator, relaxing while listening to jazz or soaking up the sun, and watching sports, especially the New York Yankees.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Carol; his three children, Victoria Coe (Ralph Baker), Lauren Arena, and Matthew Coe (Joanne); and his five grandchildren, Justin, Philip (Ariane), James, Adam, and Maddy. He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Coe, and his son-in-law, Thomas Arena.

Larry will be remembered for his intellect, work ethic, humor, and the many ways he quietly enjoyed his passions.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi, is honored to walk alongside the Coe family during this difficult time.