Lawrence Victor Sierra

Lawrence ‘Larry’ Sierra was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 25, 1947, and joined his parents, Erwin and Jean Sierra in heaven on January 17, 2024. No amount of time with Larry could have been enough. He was a loving husband, father, stepfather, fact checker, cat dad, and the go-to guy for anything and everything. His absence will be felt deeply by the army of people who were lucky to love him.

Larry was a longtime resident of Jacksonville, Florida. From grade school at Christ the King to his 26-year career at Allstate Insurance he collected an impressive list of what he called, “dear friends”. This was a coveted position and he often joked that he had enough friends to keep up with - but worry not, if he ever had an opening he would “let you know”. He was a proud graduate of Florida State University – arguably FSU football’s biggest fan (a trait he passed down to his son, Cameron). Despite his unwavering faith in his alma mater, even with a 30-point lead you could find him “still puckered”.

Larry had a couple of love stories over the years, they didn’t call him “dreamboat Sierra” and “dreamy eyes” for nothing, but his greatest and truest love was with his wife, Heidi. The two first married on January 9, 1980, but as it often does, life had other plans. After many years apart, they found their way back together. True love always finds a way. They married again, exactly 44 years later - to the day. January 9, 2024.

While Larry would likely suggest you purchase a Subaru – you could find him behind the wheel of a Corvette or on the seat of a Harley. Maintaining his vehicles mirrored the tact and precision of a drill sergeant and he expected the same from all those around him. Even though most of us fell short of these high standards, he would always come to our rescue whenever car troubles would arise, even for his niece who got a car with red seats against his better judgement. He found true happiness in helping his loved ones, always going above and beyond. He delivered a well-researched and cost-effective solution every time.

Larry is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Heidi, his son, Cameron Tyler Sierra, who he blessed with his wonderfully unique sense of humor and good looks, his stepchildren Courtney, whose help he and his cats greatly appreciated, Sean, his favorite fellow car enthusiast who always had his back, and his sisters Gail Bryant (Billy) and Lisa Schur (Nick) who will dearly miss their brothers quick-wit and sassy nature.

Some would call Larry an acquired taste. He was funny, sarcastic, unapologetically honest, and simply one of a kind. He leaves us with thousands of life lessons, an unflinchingly rigid set of house rules, and stories with a flood of meticulous details. We will think of him when FSU beats UF, when watching Seinfeld reruns, or when the dryer leaves us a sock short (should have pinned them together).

We can’t wait to see you again, Larry. Until then, enjoy your eternal “wind therapy.”

Top 10 Life Lessons from “The Lar”

1. Don’t procrastinate, EVER!

2. When riding your bike, dress like its 10 degrees colder

3. Turn off lights when leaving a room and always keep the doors locked (failure to do so will result in a House Violation).

4. When it comes to chicken wings, flappers only!

5. Use proper vocabulary (its spigot NOT “spicket”)

6. Wax your car. I mean it!

7. Save money, even if you don’t want to

8. Love your pets like family

9. Learn to read street signs and put the phone down

10. Don’t make the cable company rich