Larry J. Herrera

COURTESY ANNOUNCEMENT

Larry J. Herrera passed away peacefully on September7, 2024, at the age of 76, at home in North Palm Beach, Florida, surrounded by family and friends. Larry’s body just could no longer keep up with his soul and spirit. Born on November 5, 1947, in Nambe, New Mexico, he spent his formative years in the vibrant cultural surroundings of his birthplace. 

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Agapito Herrera and Adelia Herrera Porter, stepfather Vicente Porter, grandma “My Sophie”, brothers Albert, Richard, Conrad Herrera and Harold Porter, sister Sally Romero, brother-in-law James Porter, and sisters-in-law Maryann and Carmen Herrera.

Larry is survived by his wife of 29 years Diane Betti, his in-laws, John and Joan Betti; his sisters Virginia Porter, Rae (Marcial) Lujan, Irene (Ernie) Trujillo and Debra, (Richard) Romero; his brother Frutoso Herrera; his brother-in-law Gilbert Romero; his sisters-in-law Elsie and Tina Herrera, Georgia Porter, Denise (Fritz) Carlson, Joanie (Herve) Kensicher, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Larry is an Air Force veteran, who after realizing that he could not achieve his dreams without a higher education, earned his Political Science undergraduate degree from the College of Santa Fe, New Mexico and a B.S. Law and Juris Doctorate Law degrees from the California College of Law. Larry's career caused him to embark on a life changing opportunity in the military defense business where he worked at several Los Angeles based defense businesses, including McDonnell Douglas, Hughes Helicopters, and the Boeing Company, where he met his wife, Diane. Retiring after 20 years from his full-time job at Boeing, he spent the next 25 years working at the Wisconsin Procurement Institute.

Larry had a knack for making everyone he met feel as though they were the most important person in the room. He was genuinely interested in hearing others' opinions, and generally preferred listening to people, rather than talking about himself and his own personal views. After talking to Larry, people have said that they learned more about themselves than they did about Larry. He genuinely loved listening. Larry was an avid history buff and read more mystery novels than one could count He loved keeping up on the news and he particularly loved golf. Although he was not able to really pursue the game until after leaving his full-time job, his gentle competitive spirit helped him become a worthy opponent with a very respectable score! Larry loved traveling with his wife, Diane, and enjoyed many excursions with his in-laws. Spanish guitar music was one of his passions, and listening to it gave him great comfort. His favorite past time of all was being with family and friends and listening to their stories … and yes … his devouring Mac & Cheese with red chili!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 12:00 noon at the Santuario de Chimayo in Chimayo, New Mexico, welcoming family, and friends to honor his memory. 

These gatherings will commemorate a life well-lived, reflecting Larry's enduring spirit and the deep bonds he shared with those around him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the American Heart Association is appreciated.