Lawrence "Larry" Joseph Coelho

Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Coelho passed away peacefully on July 6th, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. He was 76 years old.

Born on November 30, 1948, in Hayward, California, Larry moved with his family at a young age to his grandfather’s homesteaded farm in Melba, Idaho where he attended high school then lived much of his adult life in the Boise area. Larry was husband to Victoria “Vicky” Seidelhuber Coelho and son of Edward David Coelho and Rena Marie Coelho. He was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Dennis Coelho, and sister, Nancy Coelho.

Larry was a devoted stepfather to Erika Ann Gudmundsson and Markus Johannes Gudmundsson, father-in-law to Markus’s wife Jennifer Grothe Gudmundsson and grandfather to Erika’s children, Sonja Victoria Washburn and Blake Bryant Washburn and Markus’ children, Dagmar Victoria Gudmundsson, Tor Connor Gudmundsson, and Tor’s wife India Hite.

A proud veteran, Larry served his country in the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Army. After earning a degree in Accounting from Boise State University he continued his commitment to service in the Army with multiple overseas assignments and attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterrey, California where he studied Polish. Later he served in the Army National Guard where he was honorably discharged as an E6.

Larry’s career path reflected his wide range of talents and interests. He worked as a securities broker at Merrill Lynch, an accountant, and a skilled professional woodworker and owner of Idaho Adirondack. Later, he enjoyed lasting fulfillment as the founding broker of Smith & Coelho Real Estate in Eagle, Idaho, where he helped build a respected business grounded in integrity and community relationships.

Larry had a sharp mind with insatiable intellectual curiosity—he was an avid reader with an incredible memory for language. He often stunned us with obscure but perfectly chosen vocabulary. He was known to spontaneously recite a historical poem or whimsically break into an Irish folksong from long ago, drawing from a deep and vivid mental archive. He also found comfort in simple, grounding routines: exercise, a glass of wine with friends, visits with colleagues, and the steady companionship of his wife and their loyal German Shepherds Dogs.

Larry was deeply committed to staying active and strong. He lifted weights nearly every day and took daily walks, often enjoying the company of dear friends along the way. For the past three years, he found great joy and community through Rock Steady Boxing at the Tomlinson YMCA in Meridian—an exercise program designed for people living with Parkinson’s Disease. The camaraderie and shared strength of that group became an important part of his life. His efforts to remain active were supported by the VA Legacy Corps, whose care and respite services provided meaningful support to both Larry and his devoted wife and caregiver, Vicky.

Our entire family is grateful for all the love and support offered over the last many years.

Larry’s sharp wit and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held at the Cathedral of the Rockies on Saturday, July 19th, 2025 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be made in his memory to the Tomlinson South Meridian YMCA, Idaho Public Television, or Boise State Public Radio.

To attend Larry's service virtually please visit https://boxcast.tv/view/larry-coelho-memorial-service-ps5ra5mfhvbl1uy0ntzu