After a long battle, my cuz passes away. RIP Larry

11/25/2012

My cousin Larry passed away this morning. I just found out through FB as one of my other cousin's posted it.

I honestly didnt know him well. I remember as a kid we would have these cousin outings and he would always be there playing with us kids. I also remember, and no idea how I remember, but Larry and my father put together my bunkbed 31 years ago. I have this memory of looking into my bedroom 31 years ago, seeing my father and Larry on the floor putting the small parts together.

Here is a story written in 2008 I'm just going to post it.
RIP Larry.


Larry Finer, a self-employed electrician. He suffered a catastrophic life changing accident on July 11, 2008 while working in Wareham, MA. You may have heard the news on Channel 5 reporting the accident. He was up 35 feet in his bucket truck, when he was electrocuted with 13,000 volts and knocked unconscious falling and landing on his truck head first. He suffered numerous broken bones and severe head trauma, not to mention the burns from the electrocution over a portion of his body.


Rick Hartnet was working with Larry on that day and immediately called 911 with the assistance of a near by neighbor. Rescue workers arrived on the scene and due to the intense injuries med-lifted him to Mass General Hospital where he underwent several hours of life saving surgery. Miraculously he survived. In the days that followed, the medical professionals, some of the best in the world, were constantly amazed by the steady progress Larry made. SO LIKE LARRY TO NOT LET ANYTHING TAKE HIM DOWN! He was in a coma for many weeks at Mass General, then was transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital where he spent several more months making slow but steady progress.



Larry has a long way to go. He still is unable to speak, walk, or eat, never mind being able to work. He is unable to move without assistance except for his thumb and one of his fingers. He communicates with his eyes and letter board. He uses a tilt table in therapy and a motorized wheelchair for transport and though this may not seem like much, it is a miracle considering the original prognosis. Originally the surgeons did not think that Larry would survive these injuries.


The doctors had no idea what lay in store for Larry’s future, and were not very hopeful. Obviously they did not know the power of Larry’s fighting spirit and also that of his long time love, Janine. Larry continues to demonstrate incredible strength and motivation to get back to the life that he loves so much. Anyone that knows Larry knows the gusto he lives life with. We have never known anyone with the energy and vitality with which he pursues his interests and passions. Life, according to Larry, is to be lived to the fullest and doing something half-way is never an option for Larry. It is all or nothing!!!!!!!
A great message for all of us! Life is too short! Live life to the fullest!



Larry’s immediate family includes his mother Gloria and her partner David, his brother Doug, wife Terri, and Larry’s nephews David and Markus. They were and continue to be devastated by this tragedy. Larry’s mother sold her condo in Florida and a few months ago Doug moved her back home to Massachusetts so that she can be close to her firstborn. Mom’s courage and rock solid devotion to her son is ever present. Despite Larry’s severe injuries he is still concerned about how his little brother is, and smiles when Doug walks into the room. Larry’s two nephews also make his day with their loving sense of humor.


Larry can be described by all who know him as a hard-working man who built his electrical company through years of hard work. As a licensed Master electrician, he tirelessly built his business from nothing to something which he takes great pride in. He worked hours on end to develop a reputation as a responsible, committed businessman. He is well respected, known for his integrity and the quality of his craft.


As a result of the accident, Larry continues to need 24/7 medical care. He is currently at a rehabilitation facility in Marlborough, where he receives occupational, speech and physical therapy. Over the last several months he has made incredible progress, due largely to the devoted love and affection provided by his fiancé of 13 years along with their family and friends. Tirelessly, Janine Harnett who grew up in Norfolk, MA and now resides in Bellingham in the house she and Larry built, spends endless hours daily at the rehabilitation facility learning the strategies utilized by all the therapists to assist him in re-learning language, developing his physical ability, and fine motor skills. She does not let up, as once they are done she may allow him some time to rest but then is at it again spelling , exercising, but most of all motivating him when things seem to get him down. She and his family and friends provide him with the emotional strength that he needs to not give up!


The problems Janine and Larry are facing are daunting. Aside from the monumental task of getting Larry well again they face the financial burden of getting him the equipment he needs to assist him with every day life activities.


The equipment and medical care that Larry will require for his home recovery are extremely costly. Our goal now is to bring Larry back to his home and his family that he loves so much, so we and qualified home care personnel can provide for him all the care that he is going to need in the comforts of his own home.