John Arden Larson

John Arden Larson of Hertford passed from this life to Life Eternal on January 16, 2026. He was 89 years old, born on December 25, 1936, he was the son of George Albin Larson and Mildred Eleanor Peterson Larson.

John was an engineer and an accomplished author who led a life defined by intellectual curiosity and service. He laid a strong academic foundation with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, followed by advanced degrees from the Chrysler Institute of Engineering and Wayne State University. His distinguished career in metallurgy spanned decades at major American corporations including Chrysler, Ford and Ingersoll-Rand where he led the Central Materials Service Laboratory, and later with the Fafnir Bearing Division of the Torrington Company. A true innovator, John was a prolific contributor to his field, holding fifteen patents and authoring four books. For the past 25 years he was a resident of Albemarle Plantation where he remained active in the Marine Advisory Committee.

John was a man of deep faith and integrity. As an ordained Elder and Trustee in the Presbyterian Church, and later a parishioner of the Methodist Church, he was a leader of small group Bible studies and led by example. Friends and family relied on him for his straightforward advice and steady presence. He was dependable in every sense, always willing to help and fully committed to his responsibilities, the people he loved and the Lord.

He was also a natural storyteller and a constant source of laughter, known for his dry wit, gentle humor, and well-timed jokes. He took great pleasure in sharing anecdotes from all stages of life, from his boyhood and college years in Michigan to the people he met and experiences he had later in life, generating strong bonds and warm connections to those around him. At family gatherings, he delighted in quizzing his grandchildren about the truths of scientific principles and their relationship to daily life.

John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Ruth Clemens Larson; children, Douglas Eric Larson (Victoria) of New York, NY, Debra Ann Pennucci of Pinehurst, NC, and Karen Lynn Bartos (Michael) of Cabot, PA; and Grandchildren Madeline Bartos, Arden Bartos (Kaylee), Ethan Bartos, and August Larson.

John was predeceased by his son-in-law, Luke Pennucci, and by his brother, George Allen Larson.`

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Rd, Hertford, NC 27944.

Donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse and Hertford United Methodist Church.