Lawrence "Larry" McGahey

McGahey, Lawrence F., of Duluth, MN entered into rest on November 5, 2024, after a lengthy illness which he handled with faith and grace.

Lawrence was born on January 24, 1953, to Lawrence F. McGahey Sr. and Catherine N. McGahey in Alexandria, VA.

The family, now including two younger brothers, moved to Richmond, VA in 1963. Lawrence graduated from Cathedral High School in 1971 and then attended the University of Notre Dame where he graduated with high honors in 1975. After Notre Dame, Lawrence did his graduate work at UC Berkely where he earned his PhD. After some time working at UC Berkely, Lawrence joined Union College in Schenectady, NY and then made his way to Duluth, MN in 1991.

In Duluth, Larry found his home, spending 28 years at St. Scholastica. Larry served as a Dept. Chair, Division Chair and Dean of the School of Sciences. Larry mentored 60 undergraduate research students, won the Max Levine award for teaching excellence and was selected by the student body as the Tassie McNamara award winner.

In his 30+ years in Duluth, he built a huge network of friends and colleagues. When speaking to Larry over the years, he frequently mentioned activities with friends. I never really knew the depth and breadth of those friendships until after his passing. Larry was indeed a kind, generous and very special person. I cannot thank the Barnes family, the McGraw family and Paul Stein enough for their support during this difficult time. I know there were so many more people in his inner circle as he developed many enduring friendships from coast to coast.

Larry is survived by brothers; Bob (Cindy) of Stuart’s Draft, VA. & Jim (Debbie) of Williamston, NC, as well as nephews, Patrick and Alex; and niece, Katie.

The family especially thanks the staff at Ecumen Lakeshore, where Larry spent time in rehab, assisted living and finally hospice who provided superior care and comfort.

In lieu of flowers, we’d ask that donations be made to CHUM, Churches United in Ministry that Larry cared deeply about. https://www.chumduluth.org/

Visitation will be held at 11 am Monday, November 18th at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary (2801 E 4th St, Duluth, MN 55812) followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Alexandria, VA.

Funeral service will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@duluthcathedral/streams

Funeral arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.