Larry McAlister, 77, of Groton

Larry McAlister, a Groton resident who retired from Lockheed Martin and spent time caring for children as a foster parent, died unexpectedly Nov. 12, 2026, at Cayuga Medical Center. He was 77.

There will be no public services, following his wishes, according to his obituary from Shurtleff Funeral Home in Groton, which is handling arrangements.

Born Oct. 11, 1949, in Sylacauga, in Alabama’s Talladega County, McAlister was the son of Isaac McAlister and Zula Leggett McAlister, both of whom died before him.

His career included work on oil rigs and ownership of a surveying business in Egypt. He later worked in Owego for Lockheed Martin, retiring as a senior systems architect.

Reading was a lifelong interest that began in childhood. His obituary remembered his wide-ranging knowledge and the time and affection he gave to children as a foster parent.

Survivors include his wife, Wilma Smith McAlister, of Groton; stepchildren Kathy Libbey and her husband, Matthew, Cindy Edwards and her husband, Jeff, Matthew Small and his wife, Tammy, and Dennis Small; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and stepsisters and brothers. His friend Tom Billups also survives him.

The family has requested consideration of memorial donations to the American Diabetes Association. Condolences can be shared through the funeral home’s obituary page.

Staff Report

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