I was a new Aerospace Physiologist when Mike and I worked together at ASTC Miramar from 2011 to 2013. He was an incredible person to be around, learn from and to have conversations with that ranged from old sea stories, work, and family. We had a heck of a coffee group in the mornings before training would start, and it is still apart of my routine today. I think about him often and I'm grateful for knowing him.  He was incredibly proud of you all, and I remember very detailed talks about paintball! 
Mike was testing the communications of helmets for our sim in this picture. I hope it puts the same smile on your heart as it does mine.

I met Mike while working at Rustler Steakhouse during high school. We quickly became best friends, and he also introduced me to another great friend, Ed Latacz, who later became my brother-in-law.

Mike and I spent countless hours together — hanging out, talking about who knows what, driving around town, or sitting on the “logs.” We spent many days at my sister’s and Ed’s house in Palmyra, watching TV, and I’m sure Mike usually had a newspaper nearby. When I think back on all the memories, I know I’ve probably forgotten more than I can remember.

For some reason, Mike and I ended up sitting next to each other in a high school class even though we were a grade apart. Two memories from that class always stayed with me: talking about the TV show Emergency! and the day Mike told me he was joining the Navy. At the time, I was taken aback at the thought of losing my best friend nearby, but as we all know, it turned out to be a fantastic decision that led to a wonderful career, and a beautiful life with his wife and family and friends in San Diego.

Over the years, we stayed in touch through visits to San Diego, Sunday afternoon phone calls, and so many wonderful memories along the way. Mike was my best friend, the best man in my wedding, and someone who would do anything for anyone.

I will miss him deeply.

Mike with two good friends, John Miranda and Steve Mccurley

[To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other‘s hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family, feuds and secrets, family grief and joys. We live outside the touch of time.].   ~ Clara Ortega.                                      There’s a place in my heart that you Mike had and always will have even in death.            The memories of childhood and beyond will never be forgotten. And what a childhood we had as a family growing up in Cinnaminson! That same smile and infectious laugh you had in youth stayed with you throughout life. It never diminished. When I went to visit in the hospital, so many nurses said what a pleasure you were even while battling this horrible disease.   
Healing isn’t forgetting, it’s just trying to accept that you will never be on the end of the phone or seen again.

Mike  and I  I worked together at ASTC Miramar  from the mid 90s to 2000. He was a great guy and I will miss him. He was always quick with a joke or something to pick on you but if he did it was because he liked you. I learned a lot from him. When we saw eachother last in 2019 we thought we would get together again. Sadly, he was taken away from us. Im sure he's having drinks in heavan with Jeff Lucas and Ray.

Words fall short of capturing what Mike meant to so many of us. To me, he was more than a friend he was a mentor, a leader, and someone who left a lasting imprint on my life. He had a way of making people better just by being present, and the impact he made will endure far beyond this moment. His absence will be deeply felt, but his influence will never fade. I am profoundly grateful for his friendship and for the honor of calling him my friend.

We love you, Mike.

Mike alongside his mother enjoying another special family Christmas

Mike in New Jersey enjoying some of the winter weather

Mike with his son Joshua and niece Hannah

Michael, who I always called Harry, was the Best Man in my wedding and my roommate in San Diego for almost 10 years.  I first met Harry in Cinnaminson, NJ, he was known to us as Harry, I believe because of his resemblance to his father.  We were friends in high school but we ran in different circles.  

When I moved to San Diego in December 1978 Harry was stationed at what was then Mira Mar Naval Air Station.  Soon after he came back from a six month tour on an aircraft carrier to the Philippines we became roommates in Poway in a house owned by a friend of his named Buck, a Chief in the Navy.  Harry left the Navy and started his career training Naval Pilots in water survival at MiraMar in Aviation Physiology.  One of his many claims to fame in training Naval Pilots was training Tom Cruise and all the actors from the original Top Gun movie in water survival.

About a year later we moved to Claremont in San Diego in various rental houses and roommates,  besides Harry the other constant was Jerry Selby.  During this time we had many people filter thru including brother Joe Larr, sister Kathy Larr, Al Heavener, Norma Young (Jerry’s spouse), John (the Marine) and James Miranda, Ronnie Archuletta, and many others.  This was during our 20’s, we had a lot of fun and a lot of shenanigans to say the least.

As I mentioned Michael was the Best Man at my wedding, as the person who I spent my 20’s with I couldn’t think of a better person to stand next to me.

Soon thereafter Michael met Sylvia, and Karol and I moved to Sacramento.  Although we have not kept in touch over the years Harry has always been in my thoughts.  I’ve loved Harry like a brother and cherished our friendship.  I rejoice in celebrating my time with him and his life.  I can’t express enough his love of family and friends.  My condolences to the entire Larr family, he was a good man and will be dearly missed.  Rest in peace my friend!!

Tio Mike was the best Santa and I think it’s safe to say everyone looked forward to seeing him dress up and call out “ho, ho, ho!” I have so many fond memories growing up and visiting my cousins and Tio would be cooking up something delicious to eat. He was always willing to lend a hand whenever anyone needed help, and always did it while cracking jokes.

With love, 
Vanessa

My brother Michael faced a challenging illness with unwavering strength and positivity. Even in his hardest moments, he showed us what true courage looks like. Though miles apart in California, he always stayed close to my heart. Mike helped me through a very tough time in my life with phone calls and support. A proud Navy veteran and devoted family man, he enriched our lives in countless ways.
While our hearts are heavy with his loss, we are incredibly grateful for the time we had with him. I will forever remember his caring eyes, big heart, and quick wit. 
Rest comfortably big brother, love you forever.  Reenie

Mike was one of the best people I was lucky enough to work with. He was such a loving father and husband. He will be sorely missed by all.

I knew Mike for many years. I was an officer in the Navy and for a Time I was the director of the aviation survival training center (ASTC) at Miramar where Mike worked. I don't think I ever met anybody who enjoyed coming to work more than Mike. He just really loved people and the astc was like a second family for him. Mike was like the astc dad. He was the person all of the young sailors, me included, went to for fatherly advice. I saw him giving advice to sailors countless times on relationships, mortgages, buying a car, getting along with their workmates, career advice, you name it. Mike was good at his job, but I think the biggest value he provided was being a fatherly figure for so many sailors who are so far from their own fathers. After I transferred I would periodically stopped by to visit and as long as Mike was there the place still felt like home. He will really be missed.

Mike was truly one of the best people you could ever know. He had a way of making others feel seen and cared for, always being the first to reach out with a “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Thanksgiving.” Those small gestures meant a lot—they showed the kind of man he was: thoughtful, genuine, and always thinking of others.

He was also someone I leaned on for guidance, especially when it came to important life decisions like buying a home. Mike never hesitated to share his wisdom and help point me in the right direction. That’s just who he was—someone who wanted to see others succeed.

What I’ll remember most is how he consistently checked in on me and my daughter. Those calls weren’t just conversations—they were reminders that we mattered to him. He had a rare kind of kindness that made a lasting impact.

Mike was truly an all-around great man, and his presence will be deeply missed. I’m grateful for the time I had with him and the example he set. Rest in peace, my friend.

Procession at the VA hospital in La Jolla

Michael, my dearest brother, my hero, my friend, my biggest supporter! 

An irreplaceable presence in our lives. His quick wit and infectious smile and laugh could light up any room. His kindness touched everyone he met.

Four years ago he was dealt the biggest challenge of his life. His resilience, his determination in the face of this challenge was truly amazing and inspiring, teaching us all the value of perseverance, fight and optimism! You are my biggest hero! 

Mike, your time with us was cut short, the impact you made will last forever. Your legacy lives on in the countless lives you have touched. 

We are heartbroken, and miss you terribly. Your spirit will always be with us! 
Rest easy my dear sweet brother. I love you with all my heart ❤️

I had the privilege of working with Mike for 4 years at ASTC Miramar.  I can not think of a better mentor for the countless civilians, Sailors and Officers that passed through that unit.  His candor, humor, knowledge and compassion were a huge asset to us all.  I have very fond memories of Mike sitting in my office swapping stories with me usually subtly providing me with insights and guidance and always sharing a laugh.

Thank you, Mike for all you did for me.  Your words and action are forever in my heart.

I would like to talk about my big brother, Michael. He was the person I could always go to whenever I needed someone to talk to. He would call me at least once a week on his way home from work, and we could talk about anything.

Like any family, he had some difficult times with others, but never with me. We always stood by each other no matter what. Even when he was away at sea, he still made time to write me letters.

On Christmas Eve, when we found out he was in the hospital and didn’t know if he would make it, I felt that if I called and someone held the phone to his ear, he would know I was thinking of him and that I loved him. As he got better, he would call me at all hours of the day, and I always answered.

When I went to the hospital to say my final goodbyes, I knew in my heart it would be the last time I would see him in person. Even though my heart is broken, I find comfort in knowing he is in Heaven with our mom and dad.

Mike, never forget how much I love you. You will always be in my thoughts

I am sorry to read this news. Rest in peace, Mike. My condolences to the families.

OBITUARY

Michael Francis Larr

September 4, 1957 – April 24, 2026

El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services