William Thomas Large

William T. “Tom” Large, 78, passed away on May 7, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. He was born in New York, New York on December 9, 1944, to the late Madeline (nee Breglia) and William “Bill” Large. After High School, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force and rigorously trained and tested to become USAF Pararescue, Special Operations.

During his time in combat rescue as a USAF Pararescueman, Tom lived the motto, “That Others May Live.” He received several awards from his service including an Air Medal, Airman’s Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

Following his military service, Tom founded many entertainment businesses as an entrepreneur, after attending The Ohio State University. His first store was an Ohio State tradition on campus called “The Carnival Shop,” which opened in 1969. It was the first video arcade in Columbus and provided sweets and treats to OSU students. Tom provided 13 years of entertainment at the Ohio State Fair, entertaining the masses with arcades, concession stands and T-shirt sales. Following his years at the fair, Tom opened many arcades around Columbus, including Time Out Amusements, Touchdown Arcade, a Vending Business, Fooshaus, and Halftime Arcade. He was the key amusement vendor for the Boardwalk Arcade at Wyandot Lake for the next 12 years. With the rise of technology, and the popularity of home gaming systems, Time Out diversified into a full-service event company. Tom wanted to build a company that bridged the gap between small carnival games, and big fair rides. Time Out Amusements succeeded in providing an extensive entertainment service for local events in the community. Tom was proud to include Michael (Brooke), Garrison, and Brooke in the family business for many years.

Tom was a member of Radiant Life Church and The Church of Scientology. He was involved with his churches, including volunteering for the Royal Rangers at Radiant Life Church. Tom was also a proud member of the Republican Party and was an active Campaign Volunteer and worked diligently to promote a Pledge of Allegiance Workbook.

Those who knew him will miss his larger-than-life personality, loving nature, intelligence, strong will, spontaneity, contagious laugh, his love of music and dancing, his playful and adventurous spirit, and his firm handshake.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Brooke) Large; Garrison Large, Brooke Large, Hujjat Bacon, Melissa “Missy” (Tera) Piezonka, and Meghan Pierson; grandchildren, Olivia Large, Ashley Higgins, Josh Bunn, Cierra Higgins, Lilly Bacon, Courtney Pierson, Milly Pierson, Andrew Pierson, and Caitlin Pierson; great grandchildren, Jayden Black, Jaxton Bunn, Liam Bunn, Davis Bunn, and Albie Bunn; Cousins, Scott Weger, Karen Wohlgamuth, Danny Large, and Rachel Ann Montgomery. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, William E. Large, Rachel Large, Thomas Breglia, and Anne Breglia, as well as Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, Francis “Frank” Large, Marjorie “Marge” Large, Mary Joan “Mary Jo” Weger (Perna), Joe Perna, Jeffrey Weger.

Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Dublin where a visitation will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023, from 4-7pm. A funeral service will take place Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 12pm, followed by a graveside service at Miami Memorial Park in Covington, Ohio at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pararescue Foundation at https://www.pararescuefoundation.org/how-you-can-help-1#donate

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