Husband to Frances, born on May 7, 1940 in Pontiac, MI, a 1958 graduate of Rochester High School. Joined the US Army and served his country stationed in Germany for most of his tour, returning to civilian life in 1962. Met the love of his life Louise Marie Smith, and married on January 29, 1964, separated only upon her passing in March 1991. He began a new adventure in life in November 1991 with his marriage to Fran, who survives him.
Larry was the owner of Smiley Electric, the electric motor shop founded by his father, operating it until it closed in 2005. Served with the Pontiac Township (later Auburn Hills) Fire Department from 1972, rising to the rank of Captain before his retirement due to medical issues in 2000. With a clean bill of health, Larry and Fran traveled the country and eventually settled in Dewey, AZ. He remained active for the rest of his life in service to others through his church and the Prescott Valley Lions Club. An avid wanderer, he never saw a side road that he wouldn’t explore, and his exploration of roads and places unknown are the stuff of legend.
Larry is also survived by his children; Paul (Jennifer), James (Katie), Mary (Scott) Fritts, Nancy (Randall Riggsbee), and Marc (Diane); thirteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Stepfather to Russell and Brad Cummings, with three step-grandchildren. In addition to Louise, he was preceded in death by parents Isidor and Genevieve (Spohn) Smielewski.
Services will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026 at the John Desmond Chapel of Pixley Funeral Homes, 3530 Auburn Road, Auburn Hills. The family will receive visitors beginning at 11 am, with services to begin at 1 pm.
Interment at Christian Memorial Cultural Center, Rochester Hills, MI.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Auburn Hills Firefighters Helping Hands, ahhelpinghands.org.
