Lawrence Robert Kayfus (Larry), 78, of Sandy Hook, peacefully passed away November 18 at the West Haven VA Hospital after a long battle with cancer.

Larry, known to many of his friends as “The Grumpy Old Vet,” was born on May 16, 1946, in Bridgeport. He was the son of William Kayfus Jr and Jennie Kayfus (Barna).

Larry graduated from Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury in 1964. After graduation he immediately joined the US Army. He was part of Co C 97th Engineer Battalion, stationed in Verdun, France, then Pirmasens, Germany, where he was Crane Shovel Operator until his discharge in 1967.

After his honorable discharge from the military, Larry continued his love and passion for running heavy equipment working various construction jobs until his retirement from Earthmovers Inc in 2015 after 23 years with the company.

In retirement, Larry continued his involvement and commitment to the military as a member of the Catholic War Vets as well as the American Legion, where he held his membership for more than 40 years. Larry worked his way through the ranks of the American Legion and became Post Commander at Sutter-Terlizzi American Legion Post 16 in Shelton from 1999-2000. He continued up the ranks to become 3rd District Commander from 2017-2018. Larry also enjoyed traveling with his friend from Post 16 attending many American Legion conventions as well as visiting the local Posts along the way. Larry always enjoyed the scenic route during his travels and knew every back road and short cut to his destination.

In addition to his parents, Larry was predeceased by his brother David Kayfus.

Larry is survived by his son, Jeff Kayfus, and daughters Stephanie York and Annette Russ and longtime companion Donna Eaton; his siblings, William Kayfus III, John Kayfus, Frank Kayfus, Jean Ann Heise, Mary Ann Phillips, Peter Kayfus, and Edward Kayfus; and his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Interment with full military honors will be at the discretion of the family.