Lawrence Andrew Holfelder

Larry is survived by his four children, Laura Bucklew (Samuel), Mary Beth Holfelder, Michele Castellanos, and Lawrence Holfelder; six grandchildren, Michael, Michele, Mary Claire, Charles, John, and Claire; and two great-grandchildren, Ella and Violet. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Michele, his brother, John, and his sister, Helene.

Born on June 7, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, to Lawrence and Ethel Holfelder, Larry graduated from Brooklyn Prep and went on to attend Holy Cross College and Albany Medical School. During his residency as a pediatrician at St. Vincent’s Hospital, he met the love of his life, Michele, a pediatric nurse. The couple began their life together in Key West, where Larry served as a physician in the U.S. Navy and where they welcomed their first child, Laura Ann. They later returned to New York, where their second daughter, Mary Elizabeth, was born. Invited by his close friend Dr. Lane France to join Tampa Bay Pediatrics, Larry and his family relocated to Tampa, where they welcomed their third daughter, Michele Christine, and, ten years later, their son, Lawrence William.

A devoted husband, father, and physician, Lawrence was selfless in his endeavors and known for his quiet kindness, humility, and steady service to others. A founding member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and later a parishioner at St. Lawrence and Christ the King, he attended daily Mass and carried his faith into every part of life. After losing his beloved wife forty years ago, he shouldered the work of raising four young children, making countless quiet sacrifices to keep them at the center of everything he did. He never complained—he leaned on his faith and instilled those same values in his children. He also kept family ties strong, ensuring his children stayed closely connected with cousins in the Northeast so that, despite the miles, they always felt close.

Raising his family on Lipsey Road in Carrollwood was one of his greatest joys. He built a home where neighbors became extended family—bonds that endure to this day. His door was always open, especially to mothers seeking reassurance when a child was ill. He never held a grudge—unless you count the Dodgers leaving Brooklyn. After every family meal he’d smile and say it was “the best I’ve ever had,” even when the menu was hot dogs and beans for several nights in a row.

Larry will be remembered for his steadfast faith, gentle spirit, and the sacrificial love he shared so freely with everyone he met.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 17, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Chuck Dornquast, followed by a 12:00 p.m. burial at Myrtle Hill Cemetery. A reception will follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Larry’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Richie Pervan Touch Foundation (by check, Cash App, Venmo, or by using the link at the bottom of this page).