Larry Thomas Young

“Anything is possible.” That is what Larry Thomas Young believed about life. He was a creative man, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting him. He had faith in his ability to find those solutions. Larry thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. He possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Larry was a person who believed that he could achieve whatever he set out to do.

      Larry was born on July 28, 1959 at Saratoga General Hospital in Detroit Michigan. His parents were Larry and Mae Young. Larry was raised in Sterling Heights- Warren Michigan. He showed his ingenuity even as a child. When he was confronted with a problem, Larry could develop an imaginative solution, and he derived satisfaction from knowing he had that ability.

      This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Larry's family relationships. Larry was raised with Three siblings. He had an older sister Sherrie, a younger brother Jerry, and a younger sister , Michele. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Larry was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.

      As a young boy, Larry could be found building and inventing new and different things. He was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. Larry took part in moto cross, cutting stones, being a young entrepreneur. In his spare time he liked to make extra money selling candy, cutting lawns, house paiting, odd jobs! Larry's memorable achievements included joining the United States Marine Corp. At the age of 17.

      Endowed with an appetite for knowing how his world worked, Larry enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved dissecting and probing the unknown. Larry was adept at scrutinizing different possibilities and designing innovative solutions. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      Because he was a quick thinker and adept at picking up on new things, Larry performed well in college. He was always on a quest for knowledge and he relished the experience. Theories intrigued him, and he was good at solving complex problems. He always wanted to understand rather than judge. He earned his Clock Repair Degree at Gem City School of Horology in Quincy Illinois. He also pursued graduate school, earning his Jewelry-Diamond Setting and Design Couse at Gem City College.

      Larry was socially resourceful, an expressive person who was willing to try new things. These qualities drew a lively circle of friends around him. Always interested in his friends’ activities and interests, Larry was uncritical of his acquaintances. He was sought after by people who recognized that he was generous with his time and energy, and these same friends found Larry to be very stimulating company. Larry's humor and curiosity were contagious for those around him. While growing up, some of his best friends were John Franczyk , Brett Smith,and Donny McClure. He stayed best friends with John Fanczyk through out his life!

       Larry was adept at devising original and creative ways to enhance and improve the marriage partnership. Larry was seldom a critical person, but rather the one who was able to bring out the best in others. Larry was an entertaining conversationalist who was quick to respond to his spouse’s needs. He was a vibrant personality and he enjoyed verbally sparring with Lesa. In fact, those who knew him often remarked that Larry loved to argue for argument’s sake. He was very perceptive in recognizing others’ feelings, especially regarding Lesa's.

      Larry's remarkable talent for being inventive influenced his relationship with his children. He would create original, clever and fun games for his kids and had a knack for finding ways to make everyday events, even chores, enjoyable to them. Larry was blessed with Two Children, A son, Tyler and a daughter, Peyton. They were also blessed with One grandson, Silas Adam. Someone who was quick to laugh, Larry found it easy to spend lots of time with his children, but he was never overbearing or guilty of pushing himself on them.

      As a born inventor, Larry was definitely in his element in his work place. He could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Larry was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. He could assess all of the options before him and, using his analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. His personal initiative inspired those around him. Larry was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. His primary occupation was a jeweler. He owned his own business, Young's Creative Jewelry & Repair, Inc. For 35 years. Larry always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Larry's “never say die” attitude and his ability to face any challenge no matter how difficult it might be were tremendous assets that Larry carried with him into the military. Larry was a Marine. He was in the USMC (rifleman) from 1977 to 1980. Through his hard work and dedication, he earned not only the respect of his fellow service men and women, but also was presented with various awards, including Honorable Discharged into the Marine Corp Reserve. He achieved the rank of Lance Corporal.

      Larry's passion for finding a better way to do things was often an end in itself for him. In fact, that interest by itself became something of a hobby for this perpetual problem solver. Since Larry was always searching for new and unusual activities, he developed many interests and leisure pursuits. Some of the things he became an “expert” in might come as a surprise to those who knew him, but most friends and family understood that Larry simply couldn’t be limited to just a few activities or ideas. His favorite pursuits were motorcycle riding, stone cutting with his Dad, and fishing with his Grandpa.

      Larry's calm demeanor and eternally positive outlook served him well in sports. In high school, Larry played tennis. In his college years, Larry continued to stay active by playing tennis and golf. Recreational sports included golf, bowling, and motorcycles. Larry was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity.

      Larry's talents were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something he did throughout his life. He enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in most any situation. Larry could bring a breath of fresh air to any organization, simply by introducing his novel ideas and problem solving strategies. Throughout his later years, Larry helped the community in many ways! He belonged to Englewood Helping Hands. He purchased a 26 piece DVD set, to teach sign language,for a local elementary school for children with Down Syndrome.

      Larry was continually concerned with the status of local, national and even world affairs. His keen interest and strong values led him to become active in his community. Larry "Adopted" a family in need every Christmas and made it special for the children and their parents! He and Lesa donated dog food and supplies to the Suncoast Humane Society. Fostering two English Bulldogs and sponsoring two tigers, Parvita and Remi, at the Octogon Woldlife Sanctuary! Politically, Larry was a Republican through and through!

      Faith and religion were important to Larry. He was raised Catholic, but learned to read the Bible in the Military and became a Christian. He bought Bibles for friends and family whenever the need arrived. He also sponsored many missionaries throughout his life1 Larry loved Jesus and would share his faith any time he got the chance! During that time, he went to Bible studies, tried singing in the church choir once! {though not too successfully!) He donated toys to African children!

      With all of his talents, his ingenuity, his solutions and inventiveness, it is no surprise that Larry received public recognition for his competence. With the drive and ability to meet any challenge, Larry accumulated a long list of achievements throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included Best Jewelry Store in Englewood, First place for his California Custom Chopper.(which he was thrilled beyond words!).

      Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Larry. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Larry to expand his ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included The Grand Canyon. A Cruise to Alaska , snorkeling in Aruba with Lesa, exploring the beauties of Mammouth Cave and Ruby Falls, Skiing at Lake Tahoe, and shopping shopping , shopping with Lesa in San Fransico! Visiting Alcatraz, Holding baby sea turtles in Tortuga, buying silver for his store while in Mexico, camping in the Great Smokey Mountains! Many wonderful family trips to Walt Disney World! Trips to Tucson, Mt. Lemmon, and a special trip to San Diego and the zoo! And many imprompto road trips! Just because!

      Larry was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Larry's favorites was Murphy a rescued mix breed. They were best friends for 13 YEARS. His family was rounded out by his English Bulldogs, Roxie, Georgia, Auggie and Vivy.

      Larry passed away on June 14, 2019 at Englewood Community Hospital. Larry fought his Cancer like a champion! He never EVER gave up! He is survived by his wife Lesa; his children, Tyler and Peyton; Grandson, Silas; his Mother Mae, and siblings Sherrie, Jerry and Michelle. Services were held at Lemon Bay Funeral Hone. Larry was laid to rest in Sarasota National Cemetery.

      During his lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Larry. He met the words “it can’t be done” with the enthusiastic challenge of a “wanna bet” attitude. Larry was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around him could not. For Larry, the traditional way of doing things fell short of his expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Larry Thomas Young, the fun of living his life could be found in the challenge.

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Larry Thomas Young, 59 of Englewood, Florida went to be with the Lord on June 14th, 2019. Larry was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 28th 1959 to Larry A. and Mae Young.

Anyone who knew Larry knew he was passionate about the welfare of our veterans. He felt strongly about this because of his three years he served in the United States Marine Corps as a Rifleman starting at the age of 17. After his service he put down roots in Florida. This is when he began another passion of his, Young's Creative Jewelry. He got interested in jewelry because of a hobby of rock cutting he had together with his father. This year is the 35th anniversary of the opening of Young's Creative Jewelry. After he established his successful business he met his love of his life, Lesa Marie. Larry and Lesa became one in matrimony on August 4th, 2001. Larry loved anything with a motor, his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his family was always a priority.

Larry was proceeded in death by his father Larry A Young. He was survived by his wife Lesa Marie Young, son Tyler (Shannon) Shell, grandson Silas Shell and daughter Peyton (Joseph) Peluso. Also survived by his mother Mae Sandhop, sister Sherrie (Rick) Addis, brother Jerry Young, sister Michele (Danny) Owens and many loved nieces and nephews.

Isaiah,40:31

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.