Larry A Zellers

Remembering the life, death, and legacy of Larry Zellers, 55, passed away peacefully July, 10, 2016 at his home in Largo, Florida. He was an honorable man that took the concerns of all deeply to heart, mind and soul.

Larry was born in Salem, Ohio on November 24, 1960 to parents Jacqueline Stevens and Terrence Zellers. Growing up in a small town with less than 15,000 in population that was advantageously centered between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, Larry developed traits of humility, self-worth and strong work ethic. Situated on the edge of America’s rust belt and within the farmlands of the Ohio River Valley, Larry gained an appreciation for America’s rural farming roots and transforming industry. At an early age Larry started working at his grandfather’s dairy farm milking cows and delivering milk. These times together enabled Larry to recognize how delicious fresh milk quenched thirst, how a savory rhubarb sandwich satisfied hunger, and memories grown created a treasure.

From farm fields sprouted up an athlete who was diligent, committed and driven. Initially encouraged and challenged and by his brothers Ron and Jack, Larry sought to prove himself even though he was near the smallest in his class. Despite only weighing near 120 pounds, Larry achieved letterman honors as a runner on the track and as an athlete on the football field at Mineral Ridge High School.

While proud of his roots and past, Larry yearned for more in life beyond the borders of the Youngstown region of Ohio. Disheartened by the long unemployment lines prevalent during the early economic recession that deeply impacted many in the region, Larry decided he needed more than just a job, but an adventure. With the wind at his back Larry set sail and joined the United States Navy. Over the next four years Larry traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. When he wasn’t solving inventory, logistic and procurement issues as a Store Keeper, Larry developed riffle skills as a member of the drill team and strategic thinking skills as the Captain of the Chess Team.

After serving aboard the USS O.H. Perry FFG-7, being stationed at both Midway Island and Charleston, South Carolina, Larry decided once more to take a leap to achieve more. Initially he lived with his brother Ron where he learned to set financial goals, be frugal, and to appreciate all that he had. Even though at times he only had rice to eat, he sought a career that would reward him for his work ethic. Drafting behind the opportunities that others spoke of, he moved to St. Petersburg, Florida and eventually found roles that enabled him to proudly work with a team at Honeywell that constructed NASA’s space shuttles, manage the Largo Police Department’s property and evidence section, assist in the urbanization of Florida as an Environmental Specialist for Brown and Root, and Facilities Coordinator at BayCare where he rose to every challenge thrown his way.

While his work ethic was tattooed across his soul, you did not know Larry completely if you didn’t hear about his other passions in life – athletics, wilderness, weaponry, family, volunteerism, and politics.

In the late 1980’s Larry gained a new zest for life and decided to take on a new challenge that started with running, led to biking and finished with swimming. As a founding member of the Mad Dogs Triathlon Club, Larry set out to achieve several personal best – two New York Marathons and one full Ironman. Training in excess of two years, giving up the indulgences of red meat and conquering the addictions of smoking, Larry sought unknowingly to complete the first Ironman in Clermont, Florida on Saturday, October 26, 1991. Financing the purchase of his bike by avoiding the cost of cigarettes as well as satisfying his need for fuel by developing his own energy bars and avoiding unnatural supplements, Larry achieved a seventh place ranking at the Great Floridian Triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike race and 26.2 mile run) by finishing in a time of 11 hours, 59 minutes, and 35 seconds.

Larry’s love for three sports led to more in life then few could have foreseen. With the foundation of three things in common (swimming, cycling and running), Phyllis and Larry developed a structural rebar that was strong and everlasting. Consumed with compassion, cemented in love and welded together via a marriage ceremony on July 7, 1995 in the year of 1995, Larry and Phyllis Zellers forever became known as one. Forever loving, unselfishly giving and committed, Larry took on the role of husband to Phyllis, and father to Elizabeth and Timothy.

Their love for adventure matured into a love for other passions – kayaking, mountain biking, motorcycle riding, skydiving, and shooting. Together they explored fresh and saltwater ways throughout Florida, rode paved and rocky trails alike, soared above and below the clouds, and aimed toward targets large and small. Of course anything worth doing was never easy, they scaled to new heights as a married couple and rose to the occasion beyond what was envisioned - welcoming new family.

With open arms Larry earned the love and respect of the family, especially his niece Ashley Carro, his nephew Keith Carro, his godson Conor Regan, ‘nephew’ Patrick Regan, Kristina Coffing (wife of Timothy), Desmon Newton (husband of Elizabeth), and Tara Zellers, his niece. Financially and emotionally providing for all, his passion for life transpired into a love for much more – grandchildren. If one were to know Larry of late, they would realize his laughter, tears and thoughts all revolved around four beautiful smiles – Destiny, Isabel, Dean and Andrew. The name of Larry or Hubby as been pulled down by the undertows of life, and forever more arisen and lives ‘GRUMPS.’ Larry named himself ‘Grumps’ because he did not want to tread upon the waters of other grandfathers, but for such he has become the unparalleled. His loving embrace, his jokes that evoked laughter, and his lessons taught that instilled values that will live on beyond the sunset.

Conservatism is a word that can transcend beyond and result in an unfortunate misunderstanding. To Larry the ideology represented the tradition of a great society, the achievement of success via hard work, and the embodiment of a single word spoken by all and understood by few – RESPECT. He spoke of protecting the freedoms of others but more importantly he took action. Larry volunteered in political parties, assisted the Boy Scouts of America, protected as a Neighborhood Watch Captain, and donated to needy charities.

He had a deep love for his dogs – Luigi, JJ and Scooter. Forever by his side they will eventually walk the paths of eternal life together where the sun does not burn and path is not torched.

Larry’s day to pay the tax that all men must pay has come and gone. He is now left survived by his wife Phyllis of twenty-one years as of their anniversary preceding his death by only three days, his children, Elizabeth (Desmon) Newton of St. Petersburg and Timothy (Kristina) Coffing of Clearwater; mother Jacqueline Bragg of Mineral Ridge, Ohio and father Terrance (Ruth) Zellers of Satsuma, Alabama; mother-in-law Dolly Carro of Largo, brothers Ron Zellers and Jack Stout; step-sisters Donna Zellers and Diane Mider; sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, three grandchildren plus a fourth to be born in October, one great nephew, one godson, four nieces, nine nephews, and two dogs (JJ and Scooter). Preceded in death by his stepbrother Dean Stout.

Larry’s celebration of life ceremony will take place on July 17th at 2:00PM at Serenity Gardens Funeral Home Celebration Hall located at 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, Florida 33774.