Lawrence (Larry) Calvert Marquess Jr., 71, of Alexandria, Virginia, died peacefully on April 10, 2026, after battling a recurrence of cancer. Larry was born on December 24, 1954, and was a graduate of St. Mary’s Ryken High School in Leonardtown, Maryland. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Maryland, College Park (B.A.) and attended graduate school at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He spent over 35 years in financial management at the Naval Sea Systems Command, rising through the ranks over the course of his career.

Larry is survived by his son David Calvert Marquess and daughter-in-law Leora Marquess; his daughter Emily Rose Eldridge, son-in-law Dillon Eldridge, and granddaughter Tatum Rose Eldridge; his former spouse Lisa Gail Marquess; and his devoted partner of more than twenty years, Giuseppe DeBartolo. He was a loving father, father-in-law, grandfather, partner, and friend.

Larry’s surviving siblings include his sister-in-law, Ann Day; his brother Joseph Day and his wife Lorie Day; his sister Alice Langley and her husband Skip Langley; his sister Shirley Ann Bowen; and his brother Chris Marquess and his wife Bobbi Rausch.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Calvert Marquess, Sr. and Grace Chaney Day Marquess, and his brother Herbert Day.

An avid reader, devotee of music and theater, and college basketball enthusiast, Larry was a lifelong fan of the Maryland Terps. He was a frequent attendee of a broad range of concerts, shows and theater performances, as well as a diligent member of multiple book clubs – most of them scholarly and academic, for which he regularly researched and prepared at the McKeldin Library. Larry was a true music connoisseur with a vast knowledge that spanned roots music, rock, and classic punk – from up-and-coming artists to the greats. He was a passionate cook, always exploring new recipes while preserving family classics. Larry loved traveling with friends and family and discovering beautiful places around the world; and he especially enjoyed vacations at the beach. Larry always relished the company of his many good friends and the wonderful opportunities for fine dining and conversation their getting together afforded them.

Memorial services and gatherings in celebration of Larry’s life are being planned for early June (more details to come). This page will be updated once more details are available.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to MusiCares (https://www.musicares.org/?form=donate) or An Open Book Foundation (https://anopenbookfound.org/).