Lawrence Tobias

Born in New York and raised in Queens and later Pittsburgh, Larry’s life took him through Miami and back to Queens before he and his beloved wife of 48 years, Eva, settled in Teaneck, where they built a life centered on family, community, and connection.

In the 1960s, Larry served in the Air Force Reserves as a firefighter. He would say the real draw was the chance to jump out of airplanes. By his count (unverified), he completed about 120 jumps.

Larry was among the first graduates of Point Park College after it became a four-year institution. His career reflected his curiosity and gift for connecting with people: from department store buyer (and lifelong fan of monogrammed accessories), to running a medical lab, to director of trade schools, to managing bus companies. While running charter buses to Atlantic City, he formed close relationships with casinos and embraced the perks. This was especially true of the hotel giveaways that helped define his unforgettable 1990s look: neon hats, matching Croakies, and casino t-shirts worn proudly wherever he went.

Larry and Eva were avid antique collectors and enthusiastic garage sale hosts, turning Larry’s sharp eye for hidden treasures into a side venture that helped fund family vacations and lifelong memories.

An only child who lost his father young, Larry spent his life building the family and community he cherished. He was a devoted husband, a loving father to Lane, a proud father-in-law to Evi, and a deeply adoring grandfather to Zigi and Clementine. He also shared a brother-like bond with his best friend Sandy and Sandy’s wife Joan.

He was a lifelong organizer and connector, having served as a Cub Scout leader, coach, soccer board member, and volunteer Santa. He brought people together through family reunions, including the nearly century-old Skurnick Family Circle, where he served on the board and was proud to see Lane continue the tradition.

In Teaneck, Larry helped create a village for his son and many others, becoming a trusted, steady presence and second father to countless friends. His backyard pool reflected that same spirit: summer barbecues were open-door affairs, with friends often letting themselves in for a swim when the family wasn’t home. Even the ducks were regulars; each year a family of ducks nested nearby, and the chicks would learn to swim in the shallow water that sat on top of the pool cover. He took great pride and interest in their annual return, even having a professional sign made that named the pool the “Northumberland Road Duck Pond”.

Larry could talk to anyone about anything and often did. A self-proclaimed human GPS, he knew every shortcut and resisted Google Maps on principle. He was a devoted Steelers fan, historian, and optimist, and believed deeply in people and in the value of community.

Known as “Big LT” for his bold style and big personality, Larry was, above all, a kind and generous soul who made friends everywhere and always “had a guy” for everything.

He is survived by his wife Eva; his son Lane and daughter-in-law Evi; his grandchildren Zigi and Clementine; his nephew Joey and wife Debbie; and many who were lucky to know him.

Larry will be deeply missed — and he would probably want you to know he knew a better way to get wherever you’re going.

A Funeral Service will be held at Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Directors, 402 Park Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, US, on May 1, 2026, at 12:30 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Cedar Park and Beth El Cemeteries, 735 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652, US, on May 1, 2026.