Lawrence Charles Kattner Jr.

Lawrence Charles Kattner Jr. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 22, 2025 at the age of 89. Larry was born in Hazleton, PA to Lawrence A. Kattner Sr. and Alice (Waitkus) Kattner. He attended St. Gabriel High School. After graduation he served his country as an Airman in the United States Air Force. After leaving the Air Force, he married his high school sweetheart, Monica Mezlo, in 1959. They moved to the Northern Virginia area, finally settling down in Manassas, and started a career with the Central Intelligence Agency that lasted over 55 years. His job turned him into a world traveler, having visited 72 countries as well as several different states. His favorite assignment was always Hawaii. His adventures included exploring the pyramids, standing on the Great Wall, riding camels and elephants, playing golf among local wildlife (with movable “grass”) in Ethiopia and receiving a Sunday Blessing from the pope in Rome. He loved shopping at each destination, especially when he went to the Middle East and could do some jewelry shopping at the bazaars. Trips to Greece always included a visit to Nick the Jeweler. He had to pack his growing family and move to Germany for a couple years and later to Asmara, Ethiopia (Eritrea) for two years. In his later years, he developed a love of teaching when his job responsibilities changed. He spent many years training others. Larry cherished his time with the agency and all the friends he made along the way. He always said they were like a family and looked out for each other. Many of those coworkers turned into friends with friendships that lasted a lifetime. While working he earned his Associates Degree in Business Management from Northern Virginia Community College. He enjoyed playing golf and often played in the summer league with the Knights of Columbus. He continued playing until just a couple years prior to his passing. Larry also enjoyed spending time with his many furry four-legged friends. He made friends with every dog in the neighborhood, and they always dragged their human to stop by his house. As a lifelong Redskins fan, he stuck with the team through thick and thin. If it was a Sunday during football season, he would be cheering for them one minute and then yelling through the TV about what they should have done differently the next. On the weekends he could often be found hitting golf balls in his yard when he wasn’t taking care of the yard. Larry was a devout member of All Saints Catholic Church and walked by faith. He was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He loved being a knight - all the parties, events, volunteering at Bingo and all the many friends he made. Being a knight added to the richness of his life. Larry was a true and devoted family man and loved his wife, six children, 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life and his day was always made brighter when they came to visit. He loved sharing stories of his adventures with anyone and everyone who would listen and would keep them hanging on every word. Larry was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Francis and William, his sister Sara Ann and his grandson Joseph. Larry is survived by his wife Monica, his children Mary Lynn McGaffic(Terry), Deborah Visger (Rick), Marie Sullivan (Patrick), Lawrence III (Lucinda), Allison Barnes (John) and Michelle Federline (Tom). He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Larry, Dad, Daddy, Grandpap, Pappap, and Great Pappap, you will be truly missed. We loved being regaled by your stories and spending time with you. We love you and miss you and know we will see you again. Funeral services are being provided by Pierce Funeral Home in Manassas, VA. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 6 pm – 8 pm at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas on Nov. 6 at 10:30 am followed by the burial at Stonewall Memory Gardens.

Lawrence Charles Kattner Jr.

May 8, 1936 - October 22, 2025