Larry Elliot MacDonald

Obituary

Larry Elliot MacDonald, of Vero Beach, Florida, died November 17, 2025. He was 80.

Larry was an ebullient iconoclast who was physically unable to prevent himself from making a corny joke if the opportunity presented itself.

He dedicated his life to the pursuit of engaging conversation, clever puns, playing guitar, fine woodworking, community theater, downhill skiing, photography, pointing out cultural absurdities, learning and sharing scientific facts, enjoying a generous glass of rum, chatting with strangers, and going for the perfect afternoon sail on his boat Kanau.

He grew up in Olean, New York, ultimately settling in a house he helped his father build. He had a paper route and worked as a bus boy in a local restaurant. In his youth he took an interest in science. He built model rockets, blew up part of his bedroom with a home chemistry kit, and started reading the magazine Scientific American at age 17 — a practice he continued until his passing.

Although Larry was opposed to the war in Vietnam, he enlisted in the Air Force after his draft number came up, inspired by a friend who did the same and was instead deployed to Germany. After being trained in the Russian language, Larry was eventually sent to Vietnam, where he ran payroll, refused to carry a gun, and exhibited a near magical ability to sense incoming attacks, frequently sprinting into shelters long before any sirens sounded. In his free time, he volunteered to teach English language lessons to local children near the base in Bien Hoa.

Prior to deployment to Vietnam he married the love of his life, Susan Kohler, on May 28, 1966, in a brief ceremony during which he was AWOL from the military. They would be married almost 60 years, a journey together that included three children, three grandchildren, 16 homes and countless memories.

His many and varied jobs included operating an early mainframe computer in a bank, owning and running a retail photography store and photo processing lab, constructing fireplaces as a stone mason, and building and repairing sailboats.

He managed several Radio Shacks during the company’s rapid expansion in the 1980s, and in the 1990s he helped transition an established office supply company that specialized in typewriters to selling computers, teaching himself to write code and install networks in the process.

Larry and Susan purchased their dream home in 1997: a 41-foot Morgan Out Island sailboat that they lived aboard until 2012. They sailed up and down the Intracoastal Waterway with the seasons, working various jobs, making lasting friendships and having memorable adventures. Larry earned his captain’s license, and Susan became an accomplished navigator and earned the nickname “Saltwater Suzi.” When they moved back on to land in 2012, it was the longest they had lived in any one home — even though that home was mobile.

After transitioning to life as a CLOD (Cruiser Living On Dirt), Larry filled his and Suzi’s Vero Beach home with hand-built sailing-related ephemera, including mermaids, anchors and lighthouses, much of which was displayed on their lanai, referred to as the “aft deck” to make it sound more nautical.

He stayed connected to the sailing world through his popular website, “The Frugal Mariner,” which collected tips and tricks for managing life aboard.

In retirement, Larry pursued his creative interests. He wrote two novels, built numerous woodworking projects, and delighted in serving visitors ‘Cap’n Larry’s World Famous Omelette.’

Larry is survived by his wife, Susan Kohler MacDonald; his three children, son Scott MacDonald of San Jose, California, twin daughters Tara Striffler of Jeju Island, South Korea, and Colleen Kissell of Roanoke, Virginia; brother Tom MacDonald of Indian Land, South Carolina; cousin Cheryl Bauschard Bouchard of Washington, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Ethan Kissell, Piper Striffler and Lila Brandom-MacDonald, nieces Kelly Bernal and Nicole MacDonald and nephew Shawn MacDonald. He was preceded in death by his parents Chet and Marjorie of Olean, New York; and cousin Jeff Johnson of Monroe, Michigan.

There will be no funeral service; Larry donated his body to the University of Florida College of Medicine to be used for medical research and study.

Gallery

Memory wall

November 26, 2025

In the 1960’s Larry and I played and sang folk music together. That was back in the day when music still included a melody. He played mandolin and guitar and I played guitar. I still have that guitar although I don’t play much anymore.) I watched him fall in love with Suzie, the love of his life, and was honored to be best man at their wedding.

Larry was one of the few people I know who fearlessly embraced all life had to offer. Although it’s been a long time since we connected, I am grateful for the time we shared. We are all sadly diminished by his absence.

With deepest sympathy,
Chuck Liarakos

Charles D Liarakos

November 23, 2025

The Dahl-Branch Street gang sends their condolences. We recall get-togethers at the corner house, and I still think of Larry and the fine craftsmanship when I see the light on in the attic. We were shocked and saddened to hear about Larry, but nearly as shocked to read that your move was all the way back in 1997. Sending our love.

Arthur Stewart

November 22, 2025

Larry and Suzi were helping me with a few home renovations back in, I think, 2003 or thereabouts. Larry and I were putting up drywall in the laundry room that was being renovated, and in an old window opening that was being covered over he took a Sharpie and wrote in large letters on the backside of the opposite wall:

"Kirk and Larry built this wall in February of 2003* and you, you bastard, you tore it down!"

Still makes me laugh when I think about some subsequent homeowner doing renovations at some point in the distant future and finding that message!

*May not be the correct date, but it was something like that.

Kirk Johnson

November 22, 2025

A lighthearted addition to our sadness. This is an example of Larry’s talent and wonderful sense of humor while working with us at Jochum Business Systems in the 1990’s.
Enjoy.

Andrew Jochum

November 22, 2025

I am so sorry to hear this. Shocked may be a better word. Larry was a year ahead of me at Allegany but we were good friends growing up. A group of us us used to hang together singing folk songs till the middle of the night. He was a great guy and a good man. I will miss him. Don't blow up heaven with one of your rockets Larry😢

Jamie McCoy

November 22, 2025

Sam and I are so very sorry to hear this news. We had no idea Larry was in poor health. My only vision of Larry was that he was always laughing and telling corny jokes. We so enjoyed getting to know him and Susie whilst living on our boat at Hartges. They taught us how to live onboard and advised us on cruising through the Bahamas. They also had the best bar of any boat we went onboard! This is a sad day.

Mickey Green

November 22, 2025

Larry and I were neighbors and good friends in high school. We built rockets together and although we had several close calls, we managed to do it without injury. I think some of his best education came from Mad Magazine where he began to develop his unique view of life. I’m sure Larry will be missed by many.

Bob Bowen

November 22, 2025

Larry was always a good friend offering his help in many ways. He even let my husband Bob use his wood working tools to make our bigger than life heron. I have many memories of dinner parties and great conversations. My heart breaks for Susie and the children. Many hugs and love ❤️

Debbie Martens

November 22, 2025

So sorry to hear of Larry's passing. I have many fond memories of picking sessions at home and at the marina. Add to that, meals together and pleasant conversation (though admittedly, Trish and Suzi we're hard-pressed to get a word in edgewise) and we certainly had some good times. There's a big ol' hole in the world now, where you used to be, Larry. It'll take some time for the memories to fill it in.

Fair winds and following seas, Cap'n. We'll see you on the other side.

Bob & Trish Endicott

November 21, 2025

To all of Larry's family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Larry well or in person for that matter but I had the pleasure of reading his first book and we became Facebook friends because of my honest review (his words). Every once in awhile we had a message back and forth or liked a post or two. I will miss his humour and the zest for life that was apparent in all he did.

Ann Marie Pellat

November 21, 2025

I miss you Dad

Tara Striffler

November 21, 2025

Larry had such a full life, but what I will forever remember are the songs he wrote about and for Suzie, the love of his life.

Ann Catchick

November 21, 2025

I loved reading every word of this beautiful tribute. I only had to stop and dry my eyes and blow my nose a few dozen times. This is actually my second shot at it because apparently I accidentally deleted the first draft. The stories that we share are far too many to recount here. But there is one I would like to tell you. A couple weeks ago, Larry and I were hanging out in the hospital and working ong the crossword puzzle in Scientific American. We were both quite pleased at the inclusion of page numbers next to the clues. We were able to read and talk about lots of topics as we kept at this project through our visits. I will miss you, Larry, and I am grateful beyond words that I know the stories will go on. Because Suzi, and the kids, and the grands and every one that knew you, will keep them alive. Rest peacefully, my beloved friend.

Leigh Woodling

November 21, 2025

Such a great man and friend! He will be surely missed by all.

Rick Reed

November 21, 2025

Larry was my cousin I looked up to. Loved his life decisions, I loved to see his posts and his whole family on facebook

Dean A Case

November 21, 2025

So many wonderful memories of my Dad.

Colleen MacDonald Kissell