Larry Francis Coston

1961 - 2014

Larry F. Coston, 52, of Madison passed away unexpectedly June 4, 2014 in Hartland. He was born in Hartland on September 5, 1961, the son of F. Larry and Janice (Wyman) Coston. In 1981, he graduated from the Nokomis High School, as well as from the Dexter Regional Vocational Center as an automotive mechanic and from truck driving school in which he received his CDL license. He served in the Maine Army National Guard as a Combat Engineer. Larry worked as a truck driver and then as a millwright. For the last 22 years, Larry was a proud team member for Cianbro Corporation, where he leaves behind many friends.

Larry married his soul mate, Linda Soucy, on July 17, 1999. Together they built their dream home on the lake and shared their love of travel, sports, friendships and laughter.

Larry grew up in Hartland where he was known as Bugga. He was an avid sports fan of the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox, as well as NASCAR. As a child, Larry enjoyed summers at his family camp on Moose Pond and at the Unity Race Track where he eventually raced his own stock car, number 17. Snowmobiling and boating were always special highlights of his life. Golf became a new sport that he enjoyed over the last few years with his brother-in-law, Greg and several close friends. Larry enjoyed playing pool and horseshoes. He was catcher on the Elks SkowVegas Baseball Team - Sons of Willy. Larry loved music, especially from the 70’s and 80’s. His memory of every word, to every song, was uncanny. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Larry was a member of the Abnaki Snowmobile Club, the Wesserunsett Lake Association and a member, as well as a past officer, of the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge.

Larry is survived by his wife, Linda of Madison, his stepson, Shaun Gronda, grandson, Blake Gronda and mother-in-law, Elizabeth Soucy all of Skowhegan. His paternal grandmother: Ardis Coston of Salem, Massachusetts; Larry has two sons: Brian and his wife Jenna Coston and Larry Coston and fiancé, Shelby Maloon, all from Dexter: Two daughters: Julie Coston and fiancé, Philip Cote of Hartland and Michelle Coston and fiancé, Adam Collins of North New Portland; Larry’s grandchildren are Zachary, Brandon, Caleb, Madelyn, Destiny, Katelyn, Leanna, Jasmine, Cayden and Jayden.

Two sisters, Estelle and Harvey Johnston of Palmyra, Sara and Benjamin Ayer of Newport, as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Larry is predeceased by his grandfather, Francis L. Coston, his parents, F. Larry and Janice Coston, his father-in-law, Arthur Soucy and his stepson, Nathan Gronda.

Larry enjoyed his many friends and Elks family with whom he loved to share his jokes. He was an honest, hard working man who would do anything for anyone. Larry was so proud to show off the home he built on Lake Wesserunsett. He was always eager to pile folks on his pontoon boat for a ride around the lake, where the sunsets over the western mountains would take your breath away. Larry’s heart and soul will forever remain on the lake. When you see the sun set, please think of Larry and always remember, to be kind to one another.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:30 pm, Saturday, June 21, 2014 at the Federated Church, Island Avenue, Skowhegan, with the Rev. Mark Tanner officiating. An Elks ceremony will be conducted as part of the service at church. Burial will be at the Southside Cemetery in Skowhegan.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine 04986.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Larry’s memory to the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge, Maine Children’s Cancer Program, 21 Silver Street, Skowhegan, Maine 04976. Or, to the Nathan Gronda Scholarship Fund, c/o Shaun Gronda, PO Box 2101, Skowhegan, ME 04976.