Lawrence "Larry" Francis Steffann

Born on September 9, 1952 in Parkchester, NY, Larry was the 3rd youngest of 10 children. Relocating to Hempstead, NY as a small child, Larry attended Uniondale High School and would later go on to graduate from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Larry is survived by his wife of 43 years; Barbara, his two daughters; Bena Medlock (Chris) and Lauren Primato (Philip), his 5 beautiful grandchildren; Jacob, Isaac, Max, Crosby, and Maya - all from Raleigh, NC.

He leaves behind 5 sisters and 4 brothers; Mary Leverich, Claire Vamosy (Steve), Margaret Steffann (Mickey), Ellen McGowan, Elizabeth Roger (Barron), James Steffann (Sharon), John Steffann, Richard Steffann and Peter Steffann (Leigh). He is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford & Joan Steffann, his in-laws, Benjamin & Shirley Meister, and his brother-in-law, William Leverich.

After relocating to Boca Raton, Florida in the late 80’s with his family, Larry joined the former Boca Research as Chief Operating Officer, where he was an integral part of procuring and manufacturing the first modem to be shipped and sold overseas.

Post Boca Research, Larry founded Worldwide Ventures, where as a venture capitalist he continued his 40 year-long career working in the arena of innovation and technology within the community, country, and internationally.

Larry’s accomplishments included a number of startups, from advisor to angel investor to executive/founder. He served in executive roles at two publicly traded companies. More recently, he was GM of the Wireless Research Center of North Carolina and VP of Product Development for Consert. Larry was also heavily involved and admired in Raleigh’s HQ Community. One of his proudest professional accolades was as The Founder of NC RIoT (Regional Internet of Things). RIoT has been a front-runner in helping pave the way for IoT. It has grown into a group of 5000+ technologists, engineers, business leaders, academics, policy makers, and entrepreneurs, all of whom have a stake in the Internet of Things industry. RIoT has been a groundbreaking conduit in what Larry commonly referred to as ‘the 4th Industrial Revolution.’

As an esteemed, fiercely dedicated, hardworking, gifted and natural entrepreneur, Larry will continue to be revered as a maven in the technology field as his contributions live on.

He will also be remembered as a mentor, teacher, leader, friend, and social justice advocate. He will continued to be endeared for his quick-wit, brilliant humor, and larger than life presence.

However, Larry’s largest accomplishment was at home. There he was a committed Husband, Father and “Grampy.” He unconditionally loved and cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren. Known for his Sunday morning pancake-making, Grampy and Grandsons walk-taking, and his enthusiasm for adventure-partaking, his grandchildren relished in his tender, boundless love, storytelling & teachings, and enthusiasm that he shared with them each day. The love his family has and will carry on for him is infinite.

Services honoring Larry’s Life will be held at Temple Beth Or 5315 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 27612

In lieu of flowers please make all donations to:

•Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

https://secure.pancan.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2681&mfc_pref=T&2681.donation=form

•Temple Beth Or Preschool

Call 919.781.4985 ext.4 or check to:

Temple Beth Or Preschool

5315 Creedmoor Road • Raleigh, NC 27612

http://www.tbopreschool.org/

•Southern Poverty Law

https://donate.splcenter.org/

The meaning of life is to find your gift.

The purpose of life is to give it away.

- Shakespeare