Lawrence Specht
Date of Passing:
Lawrence ‘Larry’ Specht, recently of Wellesley MA, formerly of Warren RI, Barrington RI and Palm City FL, passed away on October 1, 2024 surrounded by his large and loving family. He was predeceased by his wife Lynn, parents Sophie and Mathew Specht, brother Bud Specht, and son in law J. Stephen Fink MD. He was born and raised in Chicago, Ill where he was Fenwick High School class president and established an Illinois state swimming record. Here he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Lynn Kingsbury. He and Lynn were married in 1950 and during the ensuing 67 years together had, as they often said, “a really good run”. Larry spent his working career in a number of businesses eventually owning and operating Exercycle Corporation of Woonsocket, RI. He and Lynn shared a lifetime of good friends, family, travel, golf, tennis, skiing, and bridge. Larry was active in a variety of civic and community groups. At the heart of everything was family where he provided a wonderful example as a loving son, brother, father, grandfather and great grandfather. As time went on, he took particular joy in the lives of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Amongst the many family memories, several stand out including their 50th wedding anniversary spent in Tuscany with all 16 family members, their 60th wedding anniversary at Basin Harbor, VT with a family grown to 19, and his 90th birthday party at RI Country Club where the family was 27 strong. At these and other events, it was a given that Larry was the self-appointed captain, and his children and grandchildren could only hope to keep up with his level of stamina and determination.
He is survived by his sister Lavergne Lutiger of Chicago, Ill, his children, Linda Specht Fink MD of Wellesley, MA, Suzanne Ashmore (Jim) of Pittsford, NY, Donna Specht of Providence, RI, Larry Specht MD (Michelle Specht MD) of Wellesley, MA. Grandchildren include Sarah Kokko MD (Mike), Andrew Fink (Alessandra Deamantis), Emily Voshell (Kenny), Timothy Ashmore (Hayley), Abby Conley (Sam), Kate Aja (Tina), Kat, Emma, Will and Caroline Specht. Great grandchildren include Connor, Evelyn and Maisie Kokko, Sophia, Chloe and Stevie Fink, Lila Voshell, and Jack and Alivia Ashmore.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Stepping Out Program c/o The Groden Network, 610 Manton Ave, Providence RI 02909, or Special Olympics of RI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday October 11, 2024 in St. Luke Church at 10:30 a.m. followed by a luncheon at Rhode Island Country Club, both in Barrington.
I met Mr. Specht when I was about 12 years old. We would play football on the beach at family gatherings and frisbee at neighborhood parties. He taught me to sail and snowmobile on family vacations. He was larger than life and was never without a smile or other form of encouragement. Always a powerful presence yet he was always a gentleman. I thought the world of him, his beautiful wife Lynn and his lovely daughters and fine son. People say to “remember the good times”. In this case this will be easy as I have no memories of Mr. Specht that aren’t good times. The world has lost one of the very best.
Larry & I were fellow Illinis also with parents and Grandparents that were farmers in Wisconsin. Through business at Health–Tex where Larry was a senior executive, we became long time friends. The past few years, Larry and I phoned each other several times a week, so I will miss him considerably. In sum, Larry was a man of many talents who happened to be the strongest man I have ever known. He and Lyn raised a very successful family and this was their greatest legacy. Our warm regards and thoughts go out to his whole family. Rest in peace old friend. Mars J. Bishop
My heart goes out to the entire Specht family. Larry was a special man and he will be sorely missed. I send you all my deepest sympathy.