Lawrence A. Dysart, Jr.

Lawrence  A. Dysart, Jr. – 78, of North Reading, died peacefully at his home on Monday, December 2, 2019.

Born in Pittsfield, Maine on March 12, 1941. He was the son of the late Lawrence and Mabel Irene (Clough) Dysart. He was a graduate of Maine Central Institute; Boston College and he received his PhD in Mathematics from Northeastern University.  

Larry moved to North Reading to teach math at Merrimack College. He later went on to work 30 years as a Software Engineer at Parametric Technology (formerly Computer Vision / Prime Computers).

He has been a resident of North Reading since 1970 and was a member of St. Theresa’s Church. He founded the North Reading Youth Basketball program in the 1970’s and nurtured it for the next forty-five years. If you’ve been involved in any way, Larry had an impact on you. He was also involved with the North Reading Recreation Committee, Little League and Youth Softball. He also gave his time to many other programs in town (including music and theater in the schools), volunteering too many hours to count. Larry always had a smile; he was a great conversationalist and a terrific basketball player. Larry also traveled on Middle School trips, including the famous Charlie Jones trips for years, even after his own children had moved on.

At a recent Select Board meeting at the Town Hall, which included Select Board members, State Senator Bruce Tarr, State Representative Brad Jones and a room filled with many old friends who came to honor Larry, family members accepted on his behalf, many heartfelt accolades and tributes for his 40 plus years of dedication to the youth of North Reading, particularly as a coach, mentor and founder of North Reading Youth Basketball.

Family members include his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Lou (McClelland) Dysart; sons, Lawrence A. “Lad” Dysart, III and his wife Susan of Haverhill and Peter B. Dysart and his wife Jan of Richfield, MN; his daughter, Elizabeth “Buffy” Rymill and her husband Jerry of North Reading; sisters, Mary Quint of Pittsfield, ME and the late Nancy Veilleux; grandchildren, Amanda Dysart of Haverhill, Andrew Dysart and his fiancée Trixie Vazquez of Manchester, NH; Patrick and Kate Dysart of Richfield, MN and Declan  and Ainsley Rymill of North Reading; and practically family, the MacTaylors of Salem.

His funeral will be held on Monday, December 16 at 11 AM at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 15 from 3 to 7 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to a community program of your choice or: Voices Of Hope, 171 Park Street, Stoneham, MA 02180, c/o Ed Siegal

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

10 thoughts on “Lawrence A. Dysart, Jr.

  1. Dear MaryLou, Our deepest condolences on your loss. Larry will always be fondly remembered for outstanding record keeping and his dedication to the youth basketball! May he rest in peace, Sincerely, John and Lorraine SIlvia

  2. Rest In Peace dear friend. Your journey to heaven has ended. Your legacy is like no other. You will be greatly missed by all who knew you.
    My sincere sympathy to the Dysart family.

  3. We are so sorry for your loss Larry was one of the nicest men and the best coach ever.. We will miss him We will keep you in our prayers

  4. A great guy who was enjoyable to carry a conversation with. Was a honor to be his relief at the polls the past few years and having lunch at the Senior Center with him and MaryLou. Our deepest condolences.

  5. Dear Mr. Dysart/coach D. May we meet on the basketball court once again some day. I won’t ever forget you. RIP

  6. My sincere condolences to you Mary Lou and to your family. Larry was a great loving man to the youth of the area going beyond North Reading in to northeastern MA and southern NH, especially for the young girls of all abilities in the game of basketball. Having been associated with Larry in over 30 years running the River Valley Jr High Girls Basketball League, I learned first hand of his dedication to establishing sports and teamwork for girls. He was a great man always with a smile. He will be sorely missed by all.

  7. My thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry to hear. I have wonderful memories from band and school of your dad.

  8. My deepest condolences to the whole family. I learned so much from Mr. D, his coaching, and his letter writing pal Krakatoa. He will be deeply missed.

  9. Larry was a special man, a great Dad, Husband, Coach and friend. Hoping that his family can find solace in the memories of a life well lived.

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