Edward Charles Martin Larsen “Ted”

Edward (Ted) Charles Martin Larsen passed away peacefully after a three year battle with metastatic prostate cancer on July 5, 2023 in Alexandria, Virginia. He was born in Wilmington, Delaware and raised in Parkersburg, West Virginia, learning leadership lessons early as a patrol leader in Boy Scout Troop 3. After graduating from Parkersburg Catholic High School, he headed west to row crew at the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle. Ted completed his Masters Degree at UW and joined the Army in 1986, serving in the Infantry and Military Intelligence Corps. The value of service was instilled in him from his natural father, Robert Martin, affectionately known as “Daddy Bob,” a Marine aviator who died in service on July 8, 1960.

Ted met his wife Patty (née Westbrook) when they were both stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. Their daughters Nicole and Lauren were born during their assignment in Mons, Belgium. Ted retired from the Army after 21 years but continued to serve as a U.S. Government civilian in various counterterrorism roles. He also worked at the Office of National Drug Control Policy in the Executive Office of the President. He was a passionate educator throughout his life, volunteering to teach Catholic CCD students in Korea and Virginia. Professionally, he taught American and international military officers at the National Defense University’s College of International Security Affairs and U.S. intelligence professionals at the National Intelligence University. Despite his cancer diagnosis and the COVID-19 pandemic, Ted earned a Doctorate of Liberal Studies from Georgetown University in 2021. He was a long-time parishioner of the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria, Virginia, firmly committed to Catholic education and the pursuit of knowledge, as anyone who has seen his extensive library can attest. He firmly believed these words from Pope Benedict XVI: “It is not we who possess the truth after having sought it, but the truth that seeks us out and possesses us.”

In addition to his wife of 26 years and their daughters, Ted is survived by his 95 year-old father Howland, his siblings John (wife Sudie), Lisa Roraback, Ann (husband John) Cirillo, and many nieces and nephews. Ted was predeceased by his father Robert Martin, mother Joan, brothers Bryce and Paul, and brother-in-law Scott Roraback.

Ted leaves behind a treasure trove of memories for those who knew him. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, wonderful father, loving brother, loyal friend, and most excellent dog dad.

Visitation will be at the Cunningham Turch Funeral Home in Alexandria on Thursday, July 13, from 4-7 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria on Friday, July 14, at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ted’s memory to Catholic Charities USA.