Laurence Curt "Larry" Wiggins was born in Newark, NJ, the son of William and Isabelle Wiggins. He was raised a Roman Catholic. Growing up in Iselin, NJ, Larry was very active in school, excelling both academically and athletically. At John F. Kennedy Memorial High School Larry took many advanced courses and graduated in the top twenty percent of his class. Athletically, Larry played football and lettered in cross country (team captain) and track (he once ran a 52.7 second quarter mile placing him as one of the fastest athletes in Middlesex County, NJ). Larry was also active in extracurricular activities and was a member of the Math Club, Varsity Club, and the National Honor Society. Larry was a consummate team player, which made him a natural prospect for the United States Army. During high school, Larry set his sights on attending the United States Military Academy at West Point and received a Congressional appointment from the Honorable Edward Patten of New Jersey’s 15th Congressional District.

At West Point Larry excelled at academics and always enjoyed playing intramural sports. He decided to select Ordnance Corps (OC) as his graduation commissioning branch following his father, who served in the Ordnance Corps during World War II (this especially made his mom and dad very proud). Larry reported to his Officer’s Basic Course (OBC) at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, and after graduation he reported for duty at the 124th Maintenance Battalion located within 24th Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, GA. Larry excelled as a second and first lieutenant and reported back to Aberdeen Proving Grounds for his Officer’s Advanced Course (OAC). After Graduation from OAC, Larry deployed overseas to the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) where he served as a very successful Ordinance Company Commander and later as a staff officer in Germany. While overseas, Larry completed his master’s degree. He then separated from service, receiving an honorable discharge for his many years in service to the nation.

Larry simply loved every minute of life. When it came to family, Larry was always full of life. He enjoyed the outdoors, loved riding his motorcycle, and was a Corvette fan with his own pride and joy, a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. Larry was always the life of the party. He always enjoyed friends and family and looked forward to family gatherings. You could find no better friend than Larry. He loved his nieces and nephews like they were his very own and there could not be a better uncle. Larry was one of the most kind and generous people you could ever find. Larry was the type of guy who would give you the shirt off his own back. Larry readily gave of his time, talent, and treasures to others throughout his life to help friends and family alike and was a shining example to all of us.

Larry’s death was preceded by his father William in 1993. Larry took his dad’s death hard, but he focused squarely on taking care of his mother. Larry is survived by his mother, Isabelle; his brother, Richard A. and sister-in-law, Patricia; their daughters, Jennifer and Stephanie, and sons, Jason and Shaun; his sister, Denise and brother-in law Michael Schott; and their son, Joshua, and daughter, Taylor.

Whether it was as a devoted son, brother and best friend, uncle, godfather or friend, there wasn’t anyone who could excel at it like Larry could. His life we celebrate as one which brought so much more happiness and joy to us all.

Whether it was running the mile relay at blinding speed to be second to none, flying down the road on the back of his motorcycle with the wind blowing his hair or in his Corvette attempting a new speed record or simply engaged in conversation or activities with friends
and/or family.

Larry saw the best things in all of us. He was a large part of all of us and still is and will remain to be.

Larry was bigger than life, setting the example for all of us with his kindness, friendship, generosity and first and foremost always his love.

Larry, we will all miss you.