Andrew Charles Larner

APRIL 1, 1953-NOVEMBER 22, 2025

Andrew C. Larner, born April 1, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri, was the eldest of three sons of Frances W. and Joseph Larner. He grew up in a close-knit family with a home life that nurtured a deep and lifelong bond among three brothers very close in age. Andrew passed away November 22nd at his beloved Charlottesville home surrounded by his wife, children, brothers, grandchildren, family, and friends, after a long battle against an illness that he faced with strength, courage, and unwavering spirit.

Andrew graduated from Lane High School (1971) and earned a BA in Biology from Haverford College (1975) and a MD and a PhD from the University of Virginia (1981). Like his father, he pursued a career in science. He dedicated his scientific career to uncovering how interferons protect the body from infection. Andrew completed a research fellowship at Rockefeller University and a pathology residency at the National Institutes of Health, where he later served on the faculty. He joined the Cleveland Clinic, where he was known for both his scientific insight and generous mentorship, and in 2007 he continued that work as a faculty member at the Medical College of Virginia. His work advanced fundamental understanding in his field and continues to guide research today. His discoveries were featured in prominent journals including Science.

In 2001, Andrew married Margaret Smith, and together they raised their four children, Aaron, Richard, Elizabeth, and Abigail, in Cleveland, Ohio. His greatest love, joy, and pride was his family. Andy was unshakeable in his commitment to his children’s successes and happiness in whatever endeavors they chose.

Some of Andrew’s favorite memories were made spending summers in Wellfleet on Cape Cod, running and swimming, but most of all spending time with those he loved. His love of the Cape endured through three generations, creating a lasting impact on his friends and family.

He was wholeheartedly devoted to the people in his life. Known for his generosity, selflessness, and warm spirit, he had a genuine interest in others and a remarkable ability to truly know and care for those around him. All who knew Andy knew that once you became his friend, you were a friend for life. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 24 years, Margaret; his sons, Aaron Larner (Yuki Kato) and Richard Smith (Patrick McClellan), and his daughters, Elizabeth Leonard (Bryan Leonard) and Abigail Larner; his brothers, James M. Larner and Paul F. Larner; his grandchildren, Joshua Leonard, Adam Leonard, and Zachary Larner, as well as nieces and nephews and lifelong friends who adored him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Joseph Larner Memorial Lecture in Pharmacology. Contributions may be mailed to: Joseph Larner Memorial Lecture in Pharmacology C/O Department of Pharmacology, 1340 Jefferson Park Avenue Jordan Hall, Charlottesville, VA 22908.