Obituary: Decorated Army Veteran, 78

Sgt. 1st Class Allan T. Larson, 78, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2013 after a brief illness.

Mr. Larson was born on January 26, 1935, in Boston, and raised in Dorchester, Mass. He was the son of the late Theodore H. and Lillian (Treadwell) Larson.

At the age of 17, Allan first voluntarily enlisted with the U.S. Army Reserve. When he was in the U.S. Army, his unit was activated and deployed for tours of duty in Korea and Greenland. Sgt. 1st Class Larson then returned to New Hampshire where he resumed his duties as a U. S. Army Reservist. Sgt. 1st Class Larson had served as a drill sergeant, platoon sergeant, senior drill sergeant and training NCO. He completed 23 annual training periods at a variety of locations. Sgt. 1st Class Larson was awarded the ARCAM, the Korean Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the UN Service Medal, the National Defense Metal and the Armed Forces Medal prior to his retirement with the 1st Battalion, 304th Regiment. Sgt. 1st Class Allan T. Larson's career spanned more than 40 years of distinguished military service.

Allan T. Larson's proudest accomplishment was his family, and he cherished every moment with them. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 633 and also dedicated his time volunteering for numerous charitable causes. His leisure time was spent boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, getting together with friends and playing cards.

Allan was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years Mary (Kazanowski) Larson.

Family members include 3 sons, Stephen Larson and his wife, Tricia, of Eaton Center; Michael Larson of Goffstown and Richard Larson of Bedford; daughter Kathie (Larson) Vieira of Manchester; 6 grandchildren, Melissa, Kristin and Nathan Vieira, Brita and Michael Larson, and Matthew Howcroft; three great- grandchildren, Alexa, LeAsia and Dante; a brother, Kenneth Larson of Ocqueoc, Mich. He was predeceased by his sister, Marjorie (Larson) Lewis. He also had several nieces, nephews and cousins.

His funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Polish National Catholic Cathedral, 166 Pearl Street, Manchester. A burial with military funeral honors will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Manchester. In lieu of flowers, donations in Allan's memory can be made to the Sweeney Post Veteran's Fund, 251 Maple St., Manchester N.H. 03103.

To leave condolences and/or sign the guestbook, visit Phaneuf Funeral Home online.