James Kane Larin, 78, of New Milford, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2016. Born in Great Falls, MT to the late David Patrick and Kathleen Larin (nee Kane), he resided for more than 45 years in Newtown.

Mr. Larin had a distinguished career spanning 35 years as the Vice President and General Manager of Laser Optics Inc., of Bethel. He had also worked for the Picker Corporation, Beckman Instruments, Inc., and Boeing. He graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in chemistry in 1962.

Surviving are his devoted wife of 52 years, Nancy Jo Larin, his loving children, Kathryn Larin and husband Maurice Kinyanjui and Kane Larin and wife Mary McCagg, and grandchildren Nathaniel, Elise, Piper, and Gemma.

Over the years Jim gave of himself to countless charitable and civic organizations. he served as President of the Newtown Library Board of Directors; President of the Regional YMCA; President of the Optical Society of America, Fairfield Division; was a founding member of the Newtown Cellini Society; and an active member of the Newtown Lions Club where he organized Newtown’s first Great Pootatuck Duck Race.

Jim was an avid golf, tennis, and badminton player and over the years shared his love of sports with Newtown’s youth, coaching both soccer and basketball teams. He loved traveling, gardening, cooking gourmet meals, and reading. He valued precious time spent with his wife and family most of all.

A memorial celebration will be held for friends and family on June 19 at 4:00pm in the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to: the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, www.pdf.org or the Cyrenius H. Booth Library, http://www.chboothlibrary.org/

For condolences to the family, please visit www.honanfh.com

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