Lawrence William Bliss

Lawrence “Larry” William Bliss, 87, of Morrisville, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.  

Born in Burlington, Vermont, on December 26, 1937, Larry was the beloved only child of William “Bill” Waite Bliss and Ivaline Ora (Thomas) Bliss.  He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1956 and attended the University of Vermont for three years. Larry proudly served six years in the Vermont Air National Guard and simultaneously began a long and fulfilling career with the Vermont Transportation Agency in the Property Administration Division, where he researched rights-of-way for state projects. His work took him to towns across Vermont, a part of the job he truly enjoyed. After 38 years of dedicated service, he retired from the state but continued working part-time for Vermont Engineer and Survey Company and Alan Newton Surveying. 

On July 20, 1963, Larry married the love of his life, Dorothy “Dot” Anne Driscoll, at Puffer Methodist Church in Morrisville. Together they built a beautiful life, raising three children—Anne Demars (James Doykos), Matthew Bliss (Wendy), and Patrick Bliss (Hillary) —and later welcoming eight cherished grandchildren: Ryan Demars (Sarah), Carter Demars (Alysha), Christian Demars (Emily), Joshua Bliss, Erica Bliss, Gregory Bliss, Ella Bliss and Peyton Bliss. This year, Larry celebrated the arrival of his first great-grandchild, Maeve Demars.

Larry had many passions.  When he was younger he enjoyed bowling for leagues in Morrisville and Montpelier.  He served as a Little League baseball coach and Cub Scout leader.  There is no doubt that one of his biggest joys in life was watching his children and grandchildren at sporting events.  He could be an avid fan!  Larry especially enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox.  The game was rhythmic to him as he loved the sound of the crack of a bat and the cheer of a crowd.  Every season he would go to a few Vermont Lake Monster or Mountaineers games.  Larry was a NY Giants fan and could be found on the couch on a Sunday afternoon enjoying watching his football. 

Having much love for nature and the outdoors,  Larry and Dot enjoyed bringing their cherished canoe to lakes and ponds in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York.  They hiked many peaks in Vermont and New Hampshire.  Larry also liked hunting and fishing in many surrounding forests and lakes.  Many people recall seeing both Larry and Dot walking their many dogs over the years on the backroads.  

Larry and Dot got to enjoy many years of retirement together and got to travel to many places, often with other couples.  Annual trips to Maine were special to the both of them. 

Larry embraced his religious and spiritual self, serving on committees such as Chair of Pastor Parish and Trustees when he was a long time member of the Methodist Church.  As a member of the United Community Church of Morrisville for several years, he loved helping out serving breakfasts for “Breakfast on Us” and serving monthly at Community Dinners.  Larry was a volunteer for the Morristown Centennial Library where he made many friends and loved talking about books since he was a steadfast reader himself.  He also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels. 

Larry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dot, earlier this year, his parents, and an infant daughter at birth, Laurie Anne Bliss. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and sister-in-law Bette (Bob Kirk) of Alberta, Canada. 

Not enough words can be said about the care, dedication, and respect Home Health and Home Health & Hospice staff showed Larry and his family.  Another group of special individuals was “Larry’s Angels”, a group of paid caregivers and volunteers that added comfort and joy to him.

Larry was completely selfless, humble and continually put others first.  Many people have noted that he would do anything for anybody.  His brother in law, Bob Kirk commented many times, “Larry is the kindest man I know.”  

A memorial service will be held to commemorate Larry at the United Community Church on Thursday, January 8th, at 3 p.m.  Refreshments will be served after the service for people to continue to gather and share stories.  If you are unable to make the service, feel free to stop by after the service.

If you wish to write a condolence to the family, visit https://www.holcomb-desgroseilliers.com/.

Memorial contributions in Larry’s name can be made to Justice for Dogs (justicefordogsvt.org), Meals on Wheels (mowlc.org), or “Breakfast on Us” (mail check to United Community Church, PO Box 475, Morrisville, VT 05661, and put in the memo, “BOU / Larry Bliss”).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lawrence William Bliss, please visit our floral store.