

For all of us who were lucky enough to have known him, Larry was a great human being.
He had so many wonderful attributes. He was...
Happy .... he had "a glass half full" outlook on life...preferably one with beer or wine...regardless of where he was, he had a smile and a pleasant word.
Intelligent ... from a young age he excelled in math and the sciences, winning numerous state competitions. He continued his education through his doctorate in economics, attending Case Western and Carnegie Mellon.
Generous and kind ... he was passionate about volunteering and it was an integral part of his life. He gave blood for decades and worked tirelessly for many organizations including Rotary, Shelterbox, Seneca Nation micro loan program, and Mental Health Community Centers, to name a few.
Hardworking ... he worked 37 years as a professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo without taking a sick day. For much of that same time he worked in elected offices for the Town of Amherst.
Athletic ... from his childhood through adulthood he enjoyed a wide variety of sports and physical activities including tennis, swimming, sailing, target shooting, jogging, bicycling, kayaking, and fencing ... nearly qualifying for the Olympics while in college.
Funny ... he had a wonderful and endearing sense of humor...including his great love of puns.
Economical ... much of his approach to life was through an economic lens, finding opportunities and solutions that others hadn't found. He was also an exceptional bargain hunter and got great enjoyment from hearing about the successful finds of others.
Adventurous ... he traveled across the United States and many places around the world including China several times to teach economics and India to help distribute polio vaccines.
Clever ... he could find interesting and efficient solutions to nearly every problem,
Devoted ... his family was his top priority and he enjoyed time spent together. He was very welcoming to new members (spouses and in-laws), encouraging them to feel part of the family. He was a wonderful husband for 63 years.
Curious ... he was always interested in learning or trying something new.
He was a great father, husband, son, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. This special man will be immeasurably missed.
Preceded in death by his son, Lawrence III, he is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughters, Rebecca Johnston (Cesar), and Catherine Southwick (Michael Hume); grandchildren, John Johnston (Mollie), Alexander Johnston, and Veronica Johnston, and great grandchild, Everlee Johnston.
A Celebration of Life reception will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave. Sarasota, 34232. Following the reception entombment will be in Palms Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Shelterbox (https://www.shelterboxusa.org/).
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