Lawrence “Larry” Meehan, vice president of media and tourism sales for the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, died Saturday after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Meehan, a Needham resident who earned the nickname “Mr. Boston” during a 30-year career promoting the Hub and its attractions to film crews, travel writers and tour companies from around the globe, was 60.
“He was always thinking that next level up,” said Patrick Moscaritolo, president of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Most people are thinking in the here and now. He’s thinking, ‘If we get international visitors to Boston, they can see other parts of New England and our entire visitor industry benefits from it.’ ”
One of the founding directors of Harborfest, Meehan was an early advocate for the re-connection of downtown Boston with its waterfront, and found his vision realized with the development of the Greenway, Harborwalk and the Seaport District.
“For those of us who grew up in Boston, when we heard the words ‘Larry Legend,’ we thought Larry Bird,” Moscaritolo said. “ ‘Larry Legend’ in the visitor industry is really Larry Meehan because of what he did. He lived life to the fullest. It wasn’t about him, but rather everybody else.”
Meehan’s contributions over the years were recognized with the Governor’s Award for building national and international tourism partnerships and the Discover New England Outstanding Leadership Award.
The Larry D. Meehan Award was also created in the his name this year to honor individuals who have made unique contributions to the growth and vitality of the Bay State tourism industry.
“Larry had an incredible ability to mentor people long before there was even a term mentoring. People at all levels — people starting businesses; people who were at the highest level of the visitor industry,” Moscaritolo said. “He always made time for people to talk with them.”
Born and raised in Newton, Meehan attended Boston University and the Boston Architectural School. He is survived by his wife, Melissa; sons, David and Will; three sisters; a brother; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday at the Congregational Church of Needham.