Lawrence "Larry" Robert Pasbach

Larry Pasbach died peacefully on Sunday, October 15, 2023, comforted by his loving family. Larry was a doting husband, father, grandfather, friend, and son of Christ. In his passing, he is reunited with his wife and sweetheart, Mary Lou.

Larry was born on April 9, 1929, in Grand Rapids, MI, to Albert (“Bert”) W. and Margaret J. Pasbach. He shared his childhood with two older sisters, Patricia Pasbach and Rosemary (Pasbach) Koster.

Larry’s ambition at a young age helped launch him into a fulfilling life of work and service. At 8 years old, he began work as a paper delivery boy, acquiring 60 customers and eventually climbing the ranks to main distributor. In high school, he drove a bakery (Muller’s) delivery truck, and later worked in a furniture store. He graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School in 1947, where he lettered in football and basketball, and ran track.

Larry found himself moving to Washington, D.C. after high school, where he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), one of the proudest roles of his life. He worked in many departments until he became a field agent. All the while, he attended George Washington University as a business major and later obtained a degree in accounting from Marquette University.

Larry met the love of his life, Mary Lou, an FBI coworker, on a blind date. They were later married on January 14, 1950, and started their 65-year union in North Arlington, Virginia. Their marriage would lead to life-long love and a family legacy that would continue for decades to come through their five children; Bill, Bob, Peggy, Claudia, and Diana.

With the FBI, the family would move to Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Butte, Montana; Idaho Falls, Idaho; West Chicago, Illinois, and LaGrange Park, Illinois. In La Grange Park, Larry and Mary entered into a raffle benefiting the Sisters of St. Joseph and won the grand prize: a new, fully-furnished, two story brick home, called “The Harvest Home." Mary and the children were pictured in a few newspaper articles about winning the house. However, Larry wasn’t pictured due to FBI policy.

After working for the FBI for 13 years, Larry worked for American Photo Equipment Company (APECO) in Evanston, Illinois (after moving to Naperville, Illinois). There, he served as national branch manager and later general sales manager. The family then moved to Boonton, New Jersey, where Larry was employed first with Lindenmeyer Paper Corporation and then with its subsidiary, Chemigraphic Products Corporation.

While in Boonton, Larry's local volunteer roles included: trustee at Riverside Hospital, member of the Parish Council of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Boonton Juvenile Conference Committee member, and President of the Boonton Kiwanis Club. He also co-chaired Riverside Hospital’s annual fundraising event, “Fan Fair," and delivered food with Meals on Wheels.

To complement their life in Boonton, a lake house was purchased on Sylvan Lake in Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania, which would eventually be their retirement home. The Lake House was particularly loved by his grandchildren, where countless memories were made. After the passing of his beloved Mary, Larry moved to Liberty, Missouri.

Larry was often involved in social endeavors with friends or family, such as annual fishing trips with his sons-in-laws. He unimpressively dabbled in golf; at one outing, instead of a trophy, Larry was awarded with a tennis racket. When he wasn’t socializing, he kept himself busy around the house. His success with home projects was varied, and consequently, gave himself plenty of opportunities for a good razzing by family and friends.

He had a genuine desire for connection with people by fostering many deep and lasting friendships. He would take time to shoot the breeze with anyone who crossed his path. Even though his body had slowed toward the end, his mind was still sharp. He recalled distant memories with acuity, and he kept making us laugh. He always made sure we knew that we were loved.

Larry’s proudest achievement was his family, especially his children. He also took great joy in witnessing his grandchildren grow and have children of their own. When he arrived at family visits, Grandpa was often accosted by a giggly bunch of adoring grandchildren. Though he was the life of many family parties, you could often catch him in quiet observation and awe of the boisterous scene.

Larry's living legacy includes his children; Bob (Franny) Pasbach, Peggy (David) Elliott, Claudia (George) Gonda, and Diana (John) Thorn; 13 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. In his death, he reunites with his wife, Mary, his son, Bill, and grandchildren, Amy Pasbach and Christina Elliott.

We are grateful to the staff at Therapeutic Health Services of Weatherby Lake, Missouri (where Larry resided for 3 years) and St. Luke’s Hospice for their loving care of our Dad.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions in Larry’s name be made to The City Mission, Inc (P.O. Box 11256, Waterbury, Connecticut, 06703) “Free Food Program” for families facing food insecurity. This organization is run by Larry’s grandson, Troy (Meghan) Gonda, and aligns with Larry’s passion to feed and assist individuals facing difficulty. Donations are welcomed by mail or online at: www.yourcitymission.org/pasbach

A visitation for Larry will be held Friday, November 3, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Newcomer's White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Rd., Gladstone, MO 64119. A second, brief visitation will occur Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, 6415 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, 6415 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119.

Larry will be laid to rest in White Chapel Cemetery, 6600 NE Antioch Rd., Gladstone, MO 64119.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dwnwhitechapel.com for the Pasbach family.