McIntire, Larry

In 2002, Larry McIntire (66) stepped down after 31 years as Superintendent of Parks and Recreation in Salem. He left a strong legacy. "During his tenure, the city added ball fields and parks, installed lights at fields across the city, renovated Olde Salem Greens, re-built Forest River pool and brought Winter Island to life" according to Tom Dalton in the Salem News.

One of his most memorable feats was the installation of lights at Bertram Field, with the generosity of Jack Welch, the former GE chairman and Salem native.

McIntire played basketball, football and baseball at Salem High (Class of '55). He married Doris and had four children.

Mayor Sam Zoll appointed Larry McIntire superintendent, pulling him away from a job with Nestles.

When James Foley stepped down from the position in 1994, then Mayor Harrington decided to reorganize the city Park and Recreation Departments. Foley had been superintendent of the city's parks and shade tree department for 37 years. The mayor wanted to combine the park and recreation divisions under one department head, shift job titles and streamline operations. Larry McIntire was the first to hold this combined post.

Doug Bollen took over as superintendent of the Park and Recreation Dept. in 2002. The current Executive Director of Recreation is Tricia O'Brien.

In March of 2019, Larry McIntire stepped down from his long-held post as the Commissioner of Basketball Officials for the Northeast Conference and Cape Ann League. He also stepped down from his role as the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Associan's North tournament assignor. Both are positions he has had for over 40 years. In 2016, the IAABO Board 130, to which McIntire served his lead officiating role for, adapted a basketball tournament in his name.

Larry McIntire passed away at the age of 85 on Nov. 16th, 2020.

See Also

Vertical File in Salem Collection- Parks and Playgrounds

"Mayor want McIntire to head Park-Rec. Dept." Salem Evening News, Nov. 28, 1994, p. 7

"Salem's a better place for McIntire's three decades as head of parks and recreation" Salem Evening News, July 2,2002, p. C6

"Larry's legend; McIntire feted by his friends in retirement tribute" Salem Evening News, June 2, 2002, p. C1

"McIntire stepping down as Parks and Rec superintendent" Salem Evening News, May 21, 2002, p. A3

"Bollen chosen to replace McIntire" Salem Evening News, July 3, 2002, p. A2

"Salem's McIntire retires after four decades of dedication to high school hoops" Salem News, Apr. 29, 2019, p. 9

"Salem native and local legend McIntire passes away at age 85", Salem News, Nov. 18, p. 9