Remembering Larry Francis Small

Larry Francis Small, 82 passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and close friends on September 10, 2023.

Small was married to his high school sweetheart, Madeline Marie Ditzler Small for 60 years. For over 50 years, they made Purcellville their home where they raised 6 children. Kathy Elgin and Charlie, Tim Small and Rachel, Karen Hughes and Pat, Toby Small and Danyelle, Kristen Umbaugh and Chip and Trent Small and Michelle. He was blessed with 17 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren (and 1 on the way) who all loved him deeply.

Small was in the US Navy, serving as an Air-Traffic Controller from 1959 to 1962. After his education in the Navy, he joined the Leesburg office of the Federal Aviation Administration where he retired in 2000 after working 37-1/2 years. He started as an Air Traffic Controller and ultimately specialized in automation as a Data System Coordinator/Military Liaison Specialist. He finished his career as a GS15.

Since moving to Purcellville in 1972, Small has been a faithful, dedicated parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus earning the title of Sir Knight. The principles of a Fourth Degree Knight are charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism; principles that he taught his family and demonstrated to his community through his daily actions.

Small was a sports enthusiast. He loved his Washington Redskins, the Loudoun Valley Vikings and all youth sports his kids, grandkids and great grandchildren were involved in. He was a professional Tennis Instructor for the Town of Leesburg’s Ida Lee Parks and Recreation and was known as “Coach” all over Loudoun County. Most of all, he loved and cherished his family and the time he spent with them. He enjoyed the family vacations to Nags Head, Holiday gatherings and simple spur of the moment one on one visits.

Larry is survived by his sister Mary Small of Indiana, PA. He was predeceased by his parents, John I. and Margaret Small of McSherrystown, PA, his brothers Richard Small and Tom Small of Hanover, PA, and his granddaughter Madison Small of Ashburn, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to either the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church Building Fund, 37730 St. Francis Ct., Purcellville, VA 20132 or to the Madison Small Foundation, MadisonSmallFoundation@gmail.com.