Lt Kinch Obituary

Gales Ferry - Lawrence W. Kinch, Lt. Col., U.S. Air Force (Ret.), 89, of Gales Ferry, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family Jan. 28, 2026.

Larry, as he liked to be called, was the son of Lawrence H. Kinch and Annie Kinch (Woodward) and was raised in Pawtucket, R.I.

He was a loving and devoted husband to Ann M. Kinch (Firth), and Sue Kinch (Upthegrove), both predeceased. He was a proud and loving father to four daughters: Beth Dench (Bill) of Seekonk, Mass., Laura Ochat (Lenny) of Ledyard, Meredith Maynard (Dave) of West Greenwich, R.I., and Amy Bodnar of Pittsfield, Mass., whom he affectionally referred to as his Board of Directors. His legacy also includes nine granddaughters and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride. Larry was a caring brother to Henry S. Kinch (Eleanor) of Pawtucket, R.I., and Lowell W. Kinch (Karen) of North Attleboro, Mass. He was predeceased by his sister Nancy Tasca, (Raymond) of East Providence, R.I. He also cherished his many nieces and nephews, often entertaining them with his many stories and wisdom.

Larry's love of flying led him to seek a career in aviation. He enrolled in a Civil Air Patrol program at a young age. He achieved Cadet Major and Cadet Commander of the Blackstone Valley Squadron. Larry distinguished himself as a cadet to earn a Certificate of Proficiency and was one of only two cadets in the United States to qualify as a mission observer. He was also selected for the Cadet exchange program (Peru and Chile) and the CAP Jet Orientation program.

Larry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and became a Master Navigator. He flew supply missions worldwide and during the Vietnam War, flew 144 combat missions as Attack Director in the AC-130A gunship. He served 23 years and retired in 1980, as a Lieutenant Colonel. His Air Force decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with third thru sixth Oak leaf Cluster, USAF Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with one oak leaf cluster, and the Combat Crew Award with two oak leaf cluster.

As a member of the CAP Thames River Composite Squadron, Larry served with distinction as Squadron Commander, Deputy Squadron Commander, Recruiting and Retention Officer, Squadron Leadership Officer, Web Security Officer, Personnel Officer and Administrative Officer. His CAP decorations include the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Crisis Service Ribbon, Achievement Red Service Ribbon, Air Search and Rescue Ribbon with Prop, Homeland Security Ribbon with two devices, and Counter Drug Ribbon.

Throughout the years, Larry's free time was spent sailing with his wife Sue on their Catalina sailboat the "Sea Eagle," traveling to Prince Edward Island and watching his favorite sports teams in hockey, basketball and football. He hosted the annual "Kinch picnic" every July 4th holiday and was often surrounded by family members eager to hear one of his "stories."

Larry Kinch's legacy of love, wisdom and generosity will continue to inspire generations to come. He will be profoundly missed by all, but his spirit will remain a guiding light to his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visiting hours are being held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evening, Feb. 3, at the Mystic Funeral Home, located on Route 1 in Mystic. A second visitation will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb 4, at the William W. Tripp Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, R.I., followed by a Requiem Eucharist service at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Epiphany, 1336 Pawtucket Avenue, Rumford, R.I. A private Military Funeral Honors burial will be rendered immediately following the service at Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, R.I. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Thames River Civil Air Patrol, 67 Forsyth Rd. Salem, CT. 06420.