Lawrence J. Groves, age 81, of Melrose, MA, and Palm Bay, FL, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025. Born on May 19, 1944, in Alhambra, CA, to Alexander and Winifred (Grant) Groves, Larry lived a life defined by service, devotion, and unwavering loyalty. He shared 56 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Maureen Groves, whom he recently lost. Larry was also predeceased by his son Wayne (Nicole) of Foxboro. He is survived by his daughter Wendy Forsyth (Philip) of Methuen and his son Glen (Alicia) of Melrose. He was a devoted and loving "Papa" to his grandchildren Grace, Lily, Colton, and Jacqueline, as well as bonus grandchildren Lily Rose and Shane, all of whom brought immense joy and pride to his life. He will also be missed by his loyal "personal security team," JD and Chance, Wendy and Philip's ever-faithful dogs who never left his side over these last few months.

A decorated United States Marine, Larry proudly served his country in Vietnam as part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing from 1965 to 1967. For his exemplary service, his unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. Following Vietnam, he continued his distinguished Marine Corps career, serving in Kuwait during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, working in Crash Fire Rescue at Camp Lejeune, and shaping future Marines as a drill instructor at Parris Island. After completing his active-duty service, he remained devoted to the Corps, serving in the Marine Corps Reserves for more than 20 years. Those who knew him well would often joke—and Larry would always agree—that the Marine Corps was his "first wife."

After his military career, Larry began his work in law enforcement with the South Carolina Highway Patrol. He eventually returned home to Massachusetts, joining the Wakefield Police Department before moving on to the Medford Police Department, where he would spend more than 30 years serving his community with dedication and pride. During his tenure in Medford, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant and, from 1990 to 2006, commanded the Medford Police Honor Guard—a role he carried out with deep respect for tradition and the solemn duties entrusted to the unit.

Larry was a lifelong learner who took great pride in his education. He received his B.S. from Northeastern University in 1978, graduating with honors, and went on to earn his M.A. in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College in 1986. Larry will be remembered for his integrity, strength, sharp wit, and the fierce loyalty he showed to those he loved. His legacy lives on through his family, his service, and the countless lives he touched throughout his distinguished careers in the military and law enforcement. He will be deeply missed.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster Street, Melrose. A Mass Of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Saint Mary's Church, Herbert Street, Melrose. Interment with full Military Honors will follow in Wyoming Cemetery, Sylvan Street, Melrose. Family & Friend's respectfully invited to attend.

Donations may be made in Larry's name to the USMCR's Toys For Tots program (www.toysfortots.org) or the American Lung Association www.lung.org.

Semper Fidelis.