Leif Arnold Larsen passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, in Cortlandt Manor, NY, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, service, and hard work.
Born on March 4, 1943, in Brooklyn, NY, Leif was the son of Salve and Lovisa Larsen (both predeceased). The family moved to Norway when he was very young and lived there until he was five years old. After the birth of his sister, Janet Larsen, the family returned to Brooklyn, where Leif began elementary school without knowing a word of English. This was an early testament to the determination and hard work that would later define his life.
Leif grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School. After high school and two years at Ohio Northern University, he began working as an apprentice while serving on weekends in the Army Reserves. He went on to build a 30-year career at Consolidated Carpet, starting as an installer and quickly advancing to project manager. He later retired from his role at Sherland and Farrington. Throughout his career, Leif was known not only for his exceptional work ethic and leadership, but also for his willingness to mentor others and lend a hand wherever needed.
One of Leif’s proudest accomplishments was building his family home in Quarry Acres, spending every weekend and free time for a year and a half with his father Salve. He then fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a lake house on Spofford Lake, NH, a place he had cherished since attending Camp Spofford as a teenager.
Leif had a servant’s heart and was always ready to help others, whether family, friends, neighbors, or his church community. After retirement, his passion for project management continued through the generous donation of his time and talents to Community Bible Church. He also enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife, Betty (Balog) Larsen, of nearly 60 years, and his sister-in-law, Dolores, creating treasured memories along the way.
A devout Christian, Leif served as an elder at Community Bible Church, offering steady guidance and wisdom. His involvement with the Gideons reflected his deep commitment to sharing his faith and encouraging others. His beliefs were not simply something he practiced but shaped how he lived, how he treated people, and how he gave of himself so freely.
Above all, Leif was a devoted family man. His wife Betty was his best friend and faithful companion. His children, Lori, Scott, and Kirk, and his daughter-in-law, Sharon (Sylvester) Larsen, were the pride and joy of his life. He especially cherished time with his beloved grandchildren, Finn, Rowan, and Tora. Whether babysitting, sharing stories and wisdom, or treating them to McDonald’s, he poured love into every moment he spent with them.
As we bid farewell to Leif, we do not focus only on our loss but celebrate a life beautifully and faithfully lived. His legacy of kindness, integrity, service, and quiet generosity lives on in all who knew him. May we honor his memory by loving others, helping freely, and living with the same steady faith and compassion that he showed every day of his life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Gideon Westchester Putnam Camp. Checks can be made payable to:
Gideon International
PO Box 472
Mt Kisco, NY 10549
Please note: Westchester Putnam Camp/Leif Larsen
