John C. Larrabee

John C. Larrabee, 74, of Charlotte, passed away on January 4, 2022 in Charlotte, NC. He was born on February 26, 1947 in Belfast, ME.

John is survived by his wife, Cheryle Payson Larrabee; daughter & son-in-law, Angela Larrabee Rigsbee & John Farrell Rigsbee of Charlotte; son & daughter-in-law, Travis John Larrabee & Heather Shaw Larrabee of Philadelphia, PA; and grandchildren, Payson Elizabeth Rigsbee, Kathryn (Kate) Grace Rigsbee, John (Jack) Michael Larrabee, Owen Travis Larrabee, and Anna Grace Larrabee.

By far the most important part of John’s life was his family. He was a loving, thoughtful, and affectionate son, husband, father, papa, brother and uncle. Everything he did and everything he enjoyed was connected and filtered through the love of his family and friends. Family was and is everything.

Unendingly curious, John was a voracious and prolific reader, especially of history, and his favorite gifts to give were books. He was also an incredibly talented writer, which revealed itself in the form of letters, love notes, memoirs, eulogies, the occasional political rant, and poetry.

We will remember him most for his unconditional love and empathy. Regardless of the type or length of the encounter, he would end it with, “I love you.” And if you were meeting in-person, this was always accompanied by a big bear hug (and often a follow-up note). He was always thinking of others and trying to put himself in their shoes, which reflects the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual humility by which he lived his life.

To say he will be missed is an understatement. To say that he loved and was loved immensely and without conditions is undeniable. His influence and impact on our lives is indelible.

“A legacy is not measured by passing on the material goods and possessions accumulated over a lifetime; it is measured by how well we have cultivated the seeds from which grow the deep roots of an important story steeped in family history and tradition.” John C. Larrabee

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you buy yourself or a loved one a book from a local bookstore and write a letter to someone you love.

Plans are in process for a Celebration of Life and a private, grave-side burial this spring in Belfast, ME.