Lawrence F. Wu

On Sunday, 2 Feb 2025 Lawrence (Larry) F.S. Wu died peacefully in his sleep 5 weeks before his 98th birthday. He is survived by his younger sister Lillian Wu Chow, four children: Irene Adams (Paul), Vivian, Larry Jr. (Lori), and Duke. He leaves a legacy of 15 Grandchildren: Angie Rayner (Chris), Amy Compton (Eric), Andrew Adams (Pamela), Amy Oden (James Oyan), Hillary Oden,III, Lawrence Oden (Ashley), Krystal Wu (Matt Miller), Jeffrey Wu (Katelyn), Daria Wu (Louie Sauer ), Benjamin Wu (Emily), Melanie Wu, Nicholas Wu, Amber Wu, Kaleena Wu, and Kiara Wu; 14 Great Grandchildren: Tyler Rayner, James Compton, Kayla Compton, Benjamin Fagan, Justin Compton, Andrew West, Audrey Oden, Jace Compton, Samuel Wu, Alivia Oden, Boaz Wu, Astrid Oden, Lucy Wu, and Ola Wu, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren: Madeline Rayner and Logan Rayner. Per Chinese cultural tradition, Larry always included his brother in- laws, sister in-laws, their children and grandchildren as family. He was blessed with a large extended family proudly boasting of world renowned research scientists improving food, nuclear safety, pharmaceuticals, education and physicians of all specialties. He was preceded in death by his bride of 62 years, Nin-Hua (Mimi) Wu, his 3 younger brothers and younger sister.

Born in China, Larry as a teen learned to read and write English through the Catholic Jesuits who sponsored him to study engineering at Regis College, Colorado Springs. He later transferred to and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from Marquette University. One of his and Mimi’s proudest achievements was to sponsor all his and Mimi’s family members to become successful US citizens. He retired to Fairfax County after 30 years of service in the US Army Corps of Engineers with his last assignment in SANG Saudi Arabia being the pinnacle of his career. He believed the middle east was the “last frontier” for civil engineering. Along with becoming a Realtor® after retirement and playing tennis, his hobbies also included flying Cessnas, gardening, and vacation cruising. Larry and Mimi were world travelers until her untimely death in 2018.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday 19 April 2025 at National Memorial Park, 7400 Lee Highway; Falls Church, Virginia 22042.