Larry Tortorich

Born in New Orleans, Larry was the loving son of the late Ursula Smith Tortorich and Charles J. Tortorich, Jr.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Susan Casey Tortorich; his children Lt. Michael Tortorich (Lucy), John Tortorich (Isabelle), and Annelise Tortorich (Tyler); and his sister, Julie Ann Tortorich.

Larry graduated from St. Louis King of France Elementary School (1971), Archbishop Rummel High School (1975), and Tulane University (1979). He later earned a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island (2001).

Larry proudly served in the United States Navy, dedicating more than two decades to aviation maintenance, intelligence operations, and fleet readiness across the globe. Over the course of his distinguished career, he served with multiple squadrons and commands, both afloat and ashore.

His assignments included H-53 “VOD SQUAD” at NAF Sigonella, Sicily; Foreign Counter-Intelligence at OP-009 in Washington, DC; the “TASKMASTERS” of HS-10 at NAS North Island, California; USS Midway (CV-41) in Yokosuka, Japan; the “CLANSMEN” of VA-46 embarked in USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67); Light Attack Wing 1; Carrier Air Wing 6 embarked in USS Forrestal (CV-59); Carrier Air Wing 17 embarked in USS Saratoga (CV-60); the USDAO/US Embassy NAPRO in Melbourne, Australia; NAS Jacksonville, Florida; the Tomahawk Cruise Missile Project, NAVAIR PEO (CU), PMA-280 at Patuxent River, Maryland; and the NATEC Southern Liaison Office in New Orleans.

Larry completed multiple deployments aboard U.S. aircraft carriers throughout the Western Pacific, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and Adriatic Sea. His service included participation in Operation Ernest Will, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, and numerous contingency operations.

His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), the Navy Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit decorations. He was DAWIA Level II certified in Program Management, Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) qualified, and a member of the Navy’s Acquisition Professional Community.

He was a dedicated Sailor, a trusted shipmate, and a man who served his country with honor, courage, and commitment.

Following his 24-year Navy career, Larry continued his service to the nation through his work with the Department of Homeland Security. For 15 years, he served as a Field Intelligence Officer for Louisiana and Mississippi, applying his operational knowledge and analytical skill to protect communities and support national security.

Alongside his Homeland Security work, Larry served as an Adjunct Professor in the Homeland Security Studies Master’s Program at Tulane University, where he inspired students with his real-world experience and steady presence. He was a recipient of the John Percy Dyer Award for teaching, one of the program’s highest honors.

Outside of his professional life, Larry was a man of warmth, humor, and deep affection for the people and places he loved. A true New Orleanian, he enjoyed Mardi Gras, cherished good food, and was an enthusiastic cook known for his creativity in the kitchen. His quick wit and sense of humor brought laughter to all who knew him.

An avid Saints fan, Larry held season tickets for many years and took great joy in cheering on his team. He was happiest when spending time with his children and supporting them in all their various activities. Larry volunteered for many years as a coach at Lakeshore Playground and was active with the Scouts, giving generously of his time to help guide and mentor young people.

Larry had a lifelong love of animals. His dogs — Emma, Rufus, Coco, Lucy — and his beloved duck, Quackie, brought him tremendous joy throughout the years. He also maintained a turtle sanctuary in his backyard, caring for rescued turtles and providing them a safe home.

He also valued quiet reflection and spiritual renewal, spending time on retreat at Manresa, where the stillness and tradition of the place held special meaning for him. He enjoyed fishing and gardening, simple pastimes that brought him peace and satisfaction.

Above all, Larry carried the quiet pride of a man who served his nation faithfully and stood watch so others could sleep in peace. His legacy endures in every life he touched, both in and out of uniform.

Fair winds and following seas, Shipmate . . .

. . . we have the watch.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend services for Larry on Friday, December 12, 2025 held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be from 11:00AM until the Mass begins at 1:00PM. Inurnment will follow in Metairie Cemetery.