Larry D. “Mr. Boston” Meehan of Needham, vice president of media and tourism sales for the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, died Saturday at home after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mr. Meehan was 60.
Born and raised in Newton, Mr. Meehan attended Boston University and the Boston Architectural School.
He became vice president of media and tourism sales for the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau as part of a 30-year career promoting Boston and its attractions to film crews, travel writers and tour companies from and around the globe.
One of the founding directors of Harborfest, he was an early advocate for the reconnection of downtown Boston with its waterfront, and found his vision realized with the development of the Greenway, Harborwalk and Seaport District.
Over the years, his contributions were recognized with the Governor’s Award for building national and international tourism partnerships and the Discover New England Outstanding Leadership Award.
In 2012, the Larry D. Meehan Award was created in his name to honor individuals who have made unique contributions to the growth and vitality of the Massachusetts tourism industry.
He first worked for the Harvard Office of Long-Range Planning on the extension of the Red Line to the Harvard medical community, and with Harvard’s encouragement, he formed a small map and graphics company.
When he proposed several map and festival ideas to the Convention and Visitors Bureau, he was offered a full-time job.
Mr. Meehan was an avid cyclist, a talented writer and artist, and his whimsical drawings graced everything from travel brochures to birth announcements to wine labels. He was known for his enthusiasm and he served as an inspiration to his co-workers.
Mr. Meehan is survived by his wife, Melissa (Willette); two sons, David and Will; three sisters, Patricia Parnell, Sheila Lane and Moira Cranshaw; a brother, Michael; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Congregational Church of Needham.
Burial will be private.
Arrangements by Eaton Funeral Homes, Needham.