Larry was born on July 26, 1939, in Bellevue, Ohio, to parents C.W. and Phyllis Tone. After later moving, Larry’s family settled in Fresno, California, where he graduated from Fresno High School in 1957, and then immediately joined the U.S. Navy. Larry was stationed on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Saratoga and worked on the flight deck. His ship even ended up taking a memorable Mediterranean Cruise, which he thoroughly enjoyed. After his military service, he attended Fresno City College.
Somewhere in between, at the age of 16, Larry met his love, Helen Fendley, aged 14, through a mutual friend, Lorna. The two later married in 1960 after Larry returned home from the Navy. Together they shared 56 wonderful years until her passing in 2016. Larry and Helen were devoted parents to their five children, always supporting their sports and activities, including many nights at Lamonica Stadium for Friday Night Football.
Larry enjoyed a versatile career, starting with numerous jobs in his early years while he and his wife, Helen, began their family. He worked as a butcher for Hormel, a food service truck driver, and he even co-owned an inventory service with his brothers-in-law. Additionally, Larry and Helen both operated the Food King Market on Van Ness Avenue in Fresno. His final career choice brought him to Avenal State Prison as a Correctional Officer, a position in which he excelled at and then eventually retired from in 2004.
Larry and Helen's retirement years were filled with joy, traveling, visiting casinos, and enjoying their vehicles, the PT Cruiser and Tony the Tundra, while listening to doo-wop tunes. They found peace in the mountains at their lovely Squaw Valley home, and they also cherished their time with their twelve grandchildren and loved watching them grow and thrive.
Larry was a great father, son, and brother. His family was of utmost importance to him, and his witty, modest sense of humor made him an absolute joy to be around. Fondly nicknamed “The Original Fonz” on his 40th birthday by Lorna and some high school friends, Larry was always perceived as a cool guy.
Larry is predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years, Helen Tone. He is also predeceased by his father, C.W. Tone, his mother, Phyllis Tone, and his older brother Glenn Tone.
Larry is survived by his sister, Janet Tone. He is also survived by his 5 children and their spouses, daughters Lorie Collins and spouse Steve Collins, Jana Williams and spouse Lynn Williams, and Jody Daly, and his sons, Michael Tone and spouse Charlotte Tone, and Wyatt Tone and spouse Jill Tone. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Larry's family would like to extend their deepest thanks to his caregivers, Tina Willis and Cindy Fuentes, for the hard work, devotion, and care that they provided for the last 9 years of his life.
The family would also like to extend gratitude to all who have reached out to offer love and support during this difficult time.
A graveside service for Larry will be held at Belmont Memorial Park, located at 201 N Teilman Avenue, Fresno, California, on March 18, 2025, starting at 11:00 am.
