Larry William Aikins

Larry William Aikins, 78, passed away Sunday evening at his home.

He was born on May 22, 1948, in Utica, NY, the son of Paul W. and Mildred Perry Aikins.

Larry graduated from Leonardsville Central School and studied auto mechanics through BOCES. He later graduated from General Motors Tech School in Clarence, NY, preparing for a career that would span decades in the automotive industry.

On September 27, 1969, Larry married the love of his life, Jane E. Gould, in Masonville, NY. Together, they shared nearly 57 years of marriage and were looking forward to celebrating their anniversary later this month.

A master mechanic by trade, Larry dedicated many years of service to the Davidson Automotive Group in Watertown before retiring in 2021.

Family was the foundation of Larry's life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a special foster father to Eric and Kerri Tuttle. Over the years, he and Jane opened their hearts and home to 47 foster children, as well as many others who simply needed a family. Through their love, guidance, and generosity, they made a lasting difference in the lives of countless children.

Racing was one of Larry's greatest passions. As crew chief for Aikins Racing, his son's race team, he devoted countless hours both at the track and in the garage. He treasured the friendships, competition, and family memories that racing brought into his life. An avid race fan, if he wasn't working on race cars or attending races, he was likely watching one.

Larry was also a past member of both the West Edmeston Baptist Church and the Unadilla Forks Baptist Church. He served as chairman of the West Edmeston Baptist Church Mission Committee and as a commissioner of the West Edmeston Fire District, quietly giving back to his community for many years.

Though quiet in nature, Larry garnered many lifelong friends who appreciated his steady presence, quick wit, and dependable character. When he wasn't following racing, he could often be found meticulously grooming his lawn aboard his John Deere tractor.

Larry loved his family and friends and especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren. Family vacations were among his greatest joys, creating treasured memories while sharing skills, experiences, and a love of the outdoors that would remain with his children and grandchildren for a lifetime. No matter the season, making sure the woodpile was ready for winter was always one of his top priorities.

Besides his wife, Jane, he is survived by two sons, Dana (Stephanie) Aikins of Chaumont, NY, and Jadon Aikins of Redwood, NY; four daughters, Christi (Paul) Byron of Williamson, NY, Megan (Christopher) Badour of Clayton, NY, Tisha Heffron of Mission Viejo, CA, and Jordann Aikins of Redwood, NY; a brother, Bruce, of Leonardsville, NY; and nine beloved grandchildren, Hunter & Brooke Byron, Amber & Hannah Eldridge, Gaige & Kaliber Badour, Jackson & Clay Heffron, and Evelyn Aikins.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, September 19th, from 11am to 1pm at the Costello Funeral Home, Alexandria Bay. A memorial service will start at 1pm, with the Rev. George Hopper, officiating. A celebration of life reception will follow funeral home services at the Alexandria Bay Fire Hall.

Memorial donations may be made in Larry’s name to the Alexandria Bay Joint Fire District, 110 Walton St, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.