Birth date: Aug 18, 1950 Death date: Jun 12, 2018
Lawrence C. Stearns, 67, of Maple Shade, NJ passed away on Tuesday June 12, 2018 with his family by his side. Lawrence C. Stearns was a devoted husband for 32 years to Ilse Stearns (nee Stakenburg). Lawrence was a loving father t Read Obituary
I am Larry's ex sister-in-law, Jackie Jacob. He was married to my sister, Nanne, for 9 years. They were high school sweethearts. We loved Larry. He was like a brother to me. My husband, Steve, and Larry were best men at each other's wedding. Larry was my husband's best friend growing up. Steve and Larry spent many hours driving up and down High Street in Burlington. That was really the only cool thing to do back then. We all went to the same church. Lots of memories of Larry from the 60s and 70s and 80s have come flooding back to me since reading of his passing. His time in the Marines, becoming a Policeman and vacations with Nanne hanging out with my family in Arizona. I send my condolences to his wife, family and friends. I am truly sorry for your loss.
I knew Larry from 7th grade on. My strongest memory of him in high school was from our sophomore year, when both he and I were on the junior varsity cross-country team. Our very first meet, on our home course, I bolted out of the start and into the lead, running as though my life depended on it. during the entire race a runner from the other team was right behind me, and I could here his foot-falls as he tried to pass me. Pure adrenalin fueled me, and scared to death he would catch me, I managed to cross the finish line first. Turned out that the runner on my heels the whole time was Larry. It was the only race I ever won, and I owe it all to Larry!
Lost track of Larry when I went away to college, but a few years later, when I returned to the Burlington area, I would see him from time to time in Delanco. If I saw his police car at the convenience store, I'd stop and chat with him, usually when I was returning from an ambulance run to Zurbrugg hospital in Riverside.
Lost track of him after I moved to Arizona. I recently talked to his wife, Ilse, and made tentative arrangements to visit him when I come back to NJ for our 50th class Reunion in September. I am deeply sorry that I will not have that opportunity now.
My deepest sympathies to Ilse and all his family. Larry was a good man.
This poem has always helped me through loss, and even more so now. God Speed Uncle Larry....
Thank you for being a fun member of Bob and I’s wedding 40 years ago. We will always cherish your friendship. May you rest in eternal peace with Our Lord and Savior. Gott sei Dank für dich!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Candi and your family on the passing of your dad. May the memories you shared together bring you comfort today and always.
With sympathy,
Al and Pat Sochacki
Our thoughts and hearts go out to all your families on the loss of Larry. I have so many fond memories of him growing up and will always remember him with a smile. With love and sympathy - Stacey Hogan and Family
It is with heavy hearts and sadness to report that the Delanco Township Police Department has lost one of their own. Lieutenant Lawrence Stearns (Ret) passed away on Tuesday, June 12, 2018. Lieutenant Stearns a United States Marine Corps Veteran who served in Vietnam and earned a Purple Heart began his career with the Delanco Township Police Department on March 18, 1974. Lieutenant Stearns rose through the rank and file within the department and retired in 2005. After retiring, Lieutenant Stearns returned to the department where he worked in a civilian capacity before he ultimately retired in November of 2015. Lieutenant Stearns was a brave and loyal officer, as well as a loving father; husband; and grandfather. We would like to send our condolences to Lieutenant Stearns’s family and friends.
Sir, your watch is over we’ll take it from here!
