Born on January 22, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, Larry was the son of Lawrence, Sr. and Mildred, who preceded him in death. The eldest of five brothers, Larry served in the Navy and attended Wayne State University as a journalism major, graduating in 1959. He quickly established himself as an energetic, young reporter while working at several news outlets including the Associated Press and The Detroit News.
Over the next decade, Larry married his first wife Harriet and the two had daughter Ellen and son Michael. When his children were still in grade school, Larry lost Harriet. With help from family, he picked up the pieces—Larry cooked, cleaned, entertained, and drove his children to appointments and outings. Eventually, he found love again with co-worker Judy and he soon began his role as father to Judy's daughter Larissa. The years that followed included a move with extended family to Florida, a career change to real estate sales, marriage to Judy in 1987, and, in 1993, the birth of the first of six grandchildren. Along with Judy, Larry was routinely a top seller in real estate, traveled around the state and country regularly for business and pleasure, and enjoyed time with family and friends. In 2009, following a dream retirement trip to Greece for them both, Larry's beloved wife Judy passed unexpectedly.
Larry went about re-envisioning a life by himself that included being a devoted grandparent, plenty of walking and kayaking, and befriending many people through his participation in various support groups. Larry was a “beacon of light” to so many. He would praise, congratulate, and find the best strengths in others, and he would expect nothing in return, other than kindness. Humble and self-deprecating to a fault, he would deflect any praise cast in his direction, but, as said by individuals he mentored over the years, Larry "saved lives."
Over the last four to five years, Larry struggled with cardio-pulmonary disease. After suffering a pulmonary embolism on May 2nd, he did not have enough lung capacity to recover. Vital to the end, Larry kayaked just two weeks prior to his hospitalization and was in attendance at a group meeting when the embolism struck. Being in fellowship with his brothers and sisters at the very last is the way he would have wanted his time here to conclude.
Larry is survived by daughter Ellen (Les) Lipscomb of Woodstock, GA, son Michael (Nanta) Gareau of Seattle, WA, daughter Larissa (Eric) Prendergast of Jacksonville, FL, brother Robert (Shirley) Gareau of Tampa, FL, six grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and an abundance of friends.
All are invited to a Memorial Mass to celebrate Larry’s life on Friday, June 14, 2019, at 11 AM, at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Hudson, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a group that aids people in need of immediate and/or long-term help.
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