LAIRD JOSEPH HORRELL

Laird Joseph Horrell succumbed to cancer on November 26, 2017, at Woodbine Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, in Alexandria, Virginia.  Laird grew up in Pittsburgh, and entered the Army, serving primarily in post-war Germany.  After military service, Laird moved to Washington, D.C., and attended the Catholic University of America, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Library Science degrees, having attended Catholic educational institutions from first grade.  Laird continued his public service with the District of Columbia Library, where he remained for 30 years, retiring as the Head Librarian at West End Branch Library.  Laird had a passion for opera, trains and railroads of all sorts, and ocean liners, particularly the Cunard Line which he cruised frequently.  He was an armchair Jeopardy! Champion just as often, and regretted that he never tried out for the seniors tournament. 

Laird is survived by his companion of 25 years, Sheldon Campbell, of Alexandria, VA, his sister, Miriam Giroux, of Pittsburgh, PA, and dozens of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Horrell, and sister, Marita Vercellotti. 

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary Catholic Church, 310 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA, on Thursday, November 30, at 10 a.m.  Friends will be received at Frank F. DeBor Funeral Home on Friday, December 1, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Church of the Resurrection (Brookline) on Saturday, December 2, at 9:30 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mid-Atlantic Chinese Shar-Pei Rescue Operation, or to your local library’s support group.  

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