Lawrence F. DuMouchelle Longtime Grosse Pointe resident and re- that had been associated with his father. able to raise funds for thousands of charita- nowned auctioneer-appraiser Lawrence F. Larry always believed in Detroit. Although ble organizations, foundations and schools, DuMouchelle died Thursday, May 16, 2019, economic downturns and urban unrest re- including auctions for the American Red after a courageous battle with cancer. He sulted in several difficult transitional years, Cross, Easter Seals, the Metropolitan Op- was 84 years old. Larry refused to move the company. He be- era, 1986 Statue of Liberty Gala, Hats Off to Larry was born in Detroit to art dealer gan to modernize and expand the scope of Heart Research, Detroit Symphony Orches- Joseph N. DuMouchelle and his wife Char- the operation. tra, Detroit Public Library, DIA Founder’s lotte LePain, and lived above the family Major art collections drew record auc- Society, Grand Prix Auction for Project store on St. Aubin, later moving to the Bos- tion prices and an international clientele Hope, Common Ground, Academy of the ton-Edison District where he spent much developed. But local customer support was Sacred Heart, Meadowbrook Estate, Uni- of his youth. The oldest of five children, he always key to DuMouchelle’s sustainabil- versity of Detroit, Cranbrook Academy, attended Blessed Sacrament, the University ity. True expansion and recognition began Kensington Academy, St. Mary’s Academy, of Detroit Jesuit High School and the Uni- in the early 1970s when the firm began to Northwood Institute, Women’s City Club, versity of Detroit, where he served in the handle many prominent auto and lumber Channel 56, Tennis & Crumpets, Grosse ROTC. estates, as well as those of international po- Pointe Symphony, Michigan Ducks Unlim- As a young boy, Larry spoke French before litical and business figures. Larry always felt ited and was instrumental in developing he spoke English and enjoyed spending it an honor and privilege to be entrusted to the Action Auction for the Grosse Pointe summers with his grandparents and cous- handle any family’s estate. Academy, which became recognized as the ins at the family farms in Windsor — fond- Larry contributed his time to many orga- model of excellence for fundraising auc- ly recounting stories of selling vegetables nizations and served on the board of trust- tions. door to door. ees for the Detroit Institute of Arts, Mead- Larry was a 53-year member of the Detroit Larry was introduced to his family’s busi- ow Brook Arts Commission, the Central Athletic Club. He was a tennis enthusiast ness, DuMouchelle Art Galleries, at a young Business District Association, University of for over 54 years and forged many lifelong age as an apprentice at eleven years old. His Detroit High School, and served as Presi- friendships competing at Lochmoor Club, children and his much-valued, dedicated first experience as an auctioneer was at dent of the DIA Founder’s Society — as Wimbledon Racquet Club, L’Arbre Croche employees. the age of sixteen when his father had him well as the President of St. Paul on the Lake and with his friends from the Grosse Pointe Larry was predeceased by his wife of 58 stand on a crate at an estate sale selling floor Parish Council. Over the years, he received Senior Men’s Club. In later years, he joined years, Mary Jo McCarthy DuMouchelle. lamps. Although Larry had hoped to study numerous business awards, but one that the Neighborhood Club, where he enthu- He is survived by his loving siblings, sister- accounting and law at Notre Dame, he was was close to his heart was the University siastically worked out each week with his in-law, children, grandchildren and great needed at home to assist with running the of Detroit High School businessman of the dedicated trainer. grandchildren. family business — as his father had become year. Larry, who was described by many as Larry was a devoted Detroit Tigers fan Visitation will take place 4 to 8 p.m. Thurs- terminally ill. the “Gentlemanly Auctioneer” also enjoyed and never missed a game. He enjoyed long day, May 30, at Chas. Verheyden Funeral In 1956, Larry proposed to and married his many trips around the country as an ap- walks and barbeques at the Farms Pier Home, 16300 Mack, Grosse Pointe Park, his St. Mary’s of Notre Dame sweetheart, praiser for The Antiques Roadshow. Park, trips up north and to Sanibel Island with prayers at 7 p.m. Mary Jo McCarthy — whom he met on a Larry was instrumental in forming Brick- and always looked forward to reunions at A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. blind date while he was at U of D and she at town in Detroit. This sparked his interest in the family cottage in Windsor, which he Friday, May 31, at St. Paul on the Lake Cath- Immaculata. She was the love of his life and real estate, where he began his investments helped his grandfather build at a young age. olic Church, 157 Lake Shore Road, Grosse most trusted advisor. in Detroit properties, including several his- Larry was pleased to be a part of Detroit’s Pointe Farms with in-state at 9:30 a.m. In March of 1957, Joseph DuMouchelle toric homes and buildings. He purchased comeback, helping to maintain his father’s In lieu of flowers, contributions may be passed away. Larry, then 22, took over the the Joseph Campeau and Trowbridge legacy downtown as a Detroit anchor for made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen; St. family business and became President, a homes, listed as some of the oldest homes over 93 years. He came through the many Paul Educational Trust, Grosse Pointe; position he held until his death. Over the in Detroit. years with his partners and siblings, Joan University of Detroit Jesuit High School next several years, Larry worked diligently Throughout his life, Larry believed in Walker and Norman, Rosemary and Ernest Scholarship Fund; or Beaumont Hospital to maintain the confidence and clientele helping others. In his line of work, he was DuMouchelle, his children and now grand- Foundation, Grosse Pointe.