Lawrence James Hettinger

Lawrence (Larry) James Hettinger, of Harvard, Massachusetts, passed away on April 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was known for his kindness, humility, sharp wit and brilliant mind—a man of deep integrity who found joy in mentoring others.

Born on February 13, 1954, in Columbus, Ohio, Larry was the son of Rita Heider and Stanley Hettinger. He grew up in Durham, New Hampshire, where he served as class president of Oyster River High School’s Class of 1972, played soccer, ran track, and was selected as a delegate to the 1971 White House Conference on Youth. He earned a varsity letter in soccer at The Ohio State University before completing his B.A. in Psychology at the University of New Hampshire and his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology at OSU.

Larry was a respected psychologist specializing in human factors engineering, devoted to making the world safer. His work spanned the military, medical, emergency response, and commercial sectors, contributing to projects for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, NASA, and Department of Energy. He authored more than 125 papers and was a member of the American Society of Naval Engineers and the American Psychological Association.

A lifelong learner and passionate reader, Larry loved discussing philosophy, poetry, art, and science. He shared thousands of books with friends and family. For over 20 years, he taught senior high Sunday School at the Congregational Church of Harvard and, more recently, joyfully narrated the town’s annual Christmas Pageant.

Larry adored traveling with friends and family–beginning with hitchhiking across the country at 17–hiking with his wife Edie, and watching Premier League soccer and the Red Sox with his kids. A proud Deadhead, he attended more than 300 Grateful Dead shows.

Most of all, he was a devoted husband and the best father his children could have asked for—steadfast, loving, and endlessly supportive.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife Edie; mother, Rita; children Joseph Huber, Ellen Whitehead (Terry), Rachael Hettinger, and Audrey Hettinger (fiancé John Englund); grandson, Stephen Whitehead; sisters Laura Sante, Linda LaRoque (John), Kathy Comtois (Dave), Terri Laney, and Julia Hettinger-Grabau (Nick); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Stanley.

A memorial service will be held at the Congregational Church of Harvard on April 26 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or a charity of your choice.