Stanley Lawery Carmical Jr., affectionately known as “Larry,” passed away on July 16, 2025, after a life marked by service, strength, and steadfast love for his family. He was born on June 10, 1948, in Trenton, New Jersey, to Stanley Lawery Carmical Sr. and Clara Pearl Black Carmical.

Larry grew up the third of four siblings, raised among his sisters Sally, Joann, and Susie. Growing up with them, Larry learned the importance of quiet strength, and unconditional love. Though he rarely spoke about the hardships of his early years, those who knew him understood that his tough exterior concealed a deep empathy shaped by his lived experience. His stepmother Inge, played a meaningful role in his upbringing and helped instill in him the value of perseverance and hard work.

From a young age, Larry worked in his father’s television repair shop, where he developed a remarkable talent for fixing just about anything—a gift that earned him the lifelong nickname “Mr. Fix-It.” Over the years, he became the go-to person whenever something needed to be assembled, repaired, or rebuilt, and he was always happy to lend a helping hand or take on a project.

He was a proud Army veteran, having joined the United States Army in 1968. He served for 20 years, retiring in 1988 after deployments in Vietnam, Germany, Holland, and domestic stations in New Jersey and Virginia. Throughout his military career, he worked on advanced satellite systems, long before most people knew what they were. His commendations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

As a young man, Larry was known for his love of muscle cars, drag racing, and good music. He also loved to dance—something he enjoyed even more after meeting the love of his life, Donna, whom he admired as much as he loved. From the moment he met her, Larry was completely smitten, often finding excuses to visit or call her, and eventually building a life that revolved around the love they shared. One of his favorite songs was “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, which he playfully dedicated to Donna. His pride in her was always evident, and to those who knew him, it was clear that Donna was not just his partner, but his greatest source of joy and inspiration.

Through decades of military life, frequent moves, and raising four children, Larry and Donna built a life rooted in deep love and shared purpose. They found joy in simple pleasures—dancing, bowling, playing pinochle, and being with family—but above all, they loved giving. Whether supporting friends and family or championing causes close to their hearts, they led with compassion and generosity.

One of their most meaningful shared passions was their advocacy for Journey 4 A Cure, a childhood cancer foundation.  Larry took great pride in delivering all of the iPad packages for children undergoing treatment to the UPS Store—so frequently that the staff there knew him by name.  He and Donna touched countless lives with their quiet acts of service, always putting others first. Their life together was a testament to the power of partnership, purpose, and an open heart.

A devoted family man, Larry found his greatest joy in being a husband, father, and grandfather. He was deeply proud of his family, and his legacy lives on in his children: Beth (Sam) Collingwood of Gainesville, VA; Stan (Jill) Carmical of Ashburn, VA; Danny (Cathie) Carmical of Seattle, WA; and Jennifer (Mike) Durniak of Gainesville, VA.

His memory will forever be treasured by his 14 grandchildren: Kaylob, Sammy, Will, Lucas, Devan, Cailyn, Hunter, Kane, Drew, Brady, Molly, Cole, Liam, and Eloise. He was so proud of them—never failing to mention them in conversation, even with strangers. You would often see Larry and Donna with several grandchildren in tow—whether on a day trip to Kings Dominion or cheering from the sidelines. They were ever-present at sports events, graduations, and both the big and small celebrations of their grandchildren’s lives, showing up with hearts full of love and pride. They found so much joy in simply being with their grandchildren, and that joy was reflected in every memory made and every bond that will endure.  It was always clear that Larry felt both grateful and deeply fulfilled by the legacy of love he and Donna had built together.

Larry was preceded in death by his loving wife, Donna Carmical, his parents, Stanley Carmical and Clara Pearl Carmical, his stepmother Inge Carmical, his sisters Sally Ann Koblinsky and Susan Ruth Crawford, and his grandson, Declan Carmical. He is survived by his sister Joann Bowers, his nieces Cynthia (Michael) Madden and Judith (Benjamin) Zurich, and his nephew Robert (Patti) Koblinsky.

The Celebration of Larry’s Life will take place on August 12, 2025, commencing with a Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Following the service, burial will be held at Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, VA.

As we mourn the loss of Larry, let us also celebrate the life he lived—by leading with kindness, offering unconditional love, and cherishing every moment shared with loved ones.

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