Eric Robert Larson passed away on March 7, 2026 at the age of 69 in Groton, Connecticut. Born in Denver, Colorado to Matilda (“Tyl”) and Homer Williams on the winter solstice, Eric grew up in California and was adopted as a young child by his stepfather, John Larson, after his father’s death. After working at a gas station in high school, Eric went to Stanford for college, then on to Cambridge for a PhD in organic chemistry. He then did research at Yale before a career at Pfizer.
Eric is survived by his daughter Erin Larson (Tom Flynn), his beloved grandson James Flynn, his son Tim Larson (Mikhaila Larson), his partner Linda Haines and her children and grandchildren, and his dear dog Zoe. He is remembered fondly for his dad jokes and kindness by all who had the good fortune to meet him at the Westerly Dog Park, his daily stops at local coffee shops and lunch spots, or his other rambles.
Some of his favorite hobbies over the course of his life included sculling in Long Island Sound, playing classical guitar, cooking unusual meals, puttering around the garden, and researching esoteric facts about plants. Eric was always game for a new adventure, whether it be backpacking in the Grand Canyon, singing at an open mic, or making homemade kimchi. He was an enthusiastic witness of his loved ones’ lives.
A memorial will be held over the summer in the area, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Stand Up for Animals (https://standupforanimals.org/make-donation-now/donate/) or telling a bad joke to a total stranger would be appreciated in his memory. But beware, jokes about death are never funny.... Unless they're executed properly. Rest easy, Dad/Grandpa/Eric, we love you.