Gordon Lawrence "Larry" Thatcher Obituary (1949 - 2025)

Gordon Lawrence Thatcher Larry, died on Saturday, April 5, 2025, after a six-month battle with glioblastoma, at High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Lois G. Lo (Warley) Thatcher with whom he shared 50 wonderful years. He was born into a Navy family in Newport, R.I. on August 15, 1949. The son of the late Cdr. W. Gordon Thatcher and Bernice (Clark) Thatcher. His early years were spent in the area of Virginia. He was a graduate of Cox H.S. in Virginia Beach. Larry then attended what is now UMass Lowell, where he received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Plastics Engineering. He went on to teach at the University for eight years. He was also a member of the U.S. Army Reserve for six years. In 1980 Larry founded TESco Associates, which over the years became one of the most respected companies for research and development and manufacturing of bioabsorbable medical materials and devices in the world. He was the co-owner of 16 medical device patents; developed products that made life easier for thousands of people; was named one of the 100 most notable people in the medical device industry; won multiple awards; published many papers and contributed to technical journals and textbooks. He spoke internationally on all five major continents. Recently, TESco was noted as one of The 10 Best Places to Work in the plastics industry. He did all this with tremendous humility. He made an impact and touched so many lives in both his professional and personal life. Larry was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Chelmsford M.A, serving in various ways. He was an enthusiastic participant and a generous supporter of Camp Calumet in Ossipee, N.H., contributing camperships for children and families to attend, going to outdoor worship, and stopping by Family Campfires to chat. In his free time, he enjoyed photographing nature from his lake home in N.H. and island home in Bermuda. Kayaking, boating and hiking with friends and family brought him great happiness. He was a great collector of fedora hats! He loved his dogs Charley and Brie. In addition to his loving wife he is survived by his children, Andrew W. Thatcher of Barton, V.T. and his wife Jacqueline, Christopher L. Thatcher and his wife Rebekah of Hudson, N.H., his daughter Abby Linn Thatcher and her husband Trevor Sullivan of Chelmsford, and his five grandchildren; Jericho, Zachary, Katherine, Alexander and George, who were his greatest joys. He also leaves a brother, Clark, in Virginia and a host of other family and friends, including his special TESco family. Larry was a remarkable man. His brilliance, compassion and generosity will never be forgotten, as will his loud and frequent laugh. His wit and wisdom will be forever missed. Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 170 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford, M.A., 01824 or to the Camp Calumet Campership Fund, P.O. Box 236, W. Ossipee, N.H. 03890, or visit Camp Calumet Campership Fund (under the Giving tab hit Make a Gift and select Larry Thatcher). Visiting hours will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 4pm -7pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. His celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 170 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford. KINDLY GATHER AT THE CHURCH. Interment will be held privately. For shared photo memories, please click on the following link: Larry Thatcher Kudoboard | Kudoboard Service Details Visitation When May 2, 2025 4:00pm - 7:00pm Location Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home Address 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Funeral Service When May 3, 2025 11:00am Location Trinity Lutheran Church Address 170 Old Westford Road CHELMSFORD, MA 01824