Lawrence Gerard Bauer

Larry was born to Francis Bauer and Regina Ryan Bauer on November 16, 1945 in Flushing, New York. He graduated from Brentwood High School on Long Island. Larry served as a volunteer firefighter with the Brentwood Fire Department, Company 1, was a lifelong member of the Firemen’s Benevolent Association, and was employed by American Airlines at JFK Airport. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving two years, including a tour of duty in Korea during the Vietnam War. Larry served on the rifle team and was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. As a paratrooper, he completed 24 jumps. Upon his honorable discharge with the rank of Sergeant, Larry returned to his position with American Airlines and attended the State University of New York at Farmingdale studying Advertising Arts and Photography under the GI Bill. In December 1973, he met Maureen Murphy in Brightwaters, NY and it was love at first sight! They were married six months later in 1974 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Bay Shore, NY. Larry and Maureen welcomed their two children, Michèle Louise and Christopher Ryan and lived in Sayville, Long Island for 10 years before moving to Largo, FL upon his transfer to Tampa International Airport in 1984, serving a total of 23 years with American Airlines. Larry subsequently worked as a maintenance engineer at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL for 15 years, retiring in 2010.

Larry thoroughly enjoyed life in Florida after many years working outdoors in the cold winter months in New York. He volunteered his free time at his children’s schools and with Christopher’s Boy Scout Troop. Larry had many hobbies, including photography, woodworking, hunting, golf, tennis, boating, home improvement, gardening, and reading. He was an animal lover and a pet parent to 9 precious dogs who he loved deeply. Larry was often the highlight of a party due to his quick and priceless sense of banterous humor. He was proud of his children’s accomplishments and was delighted to become a grandfather (“Poppy” and “Grand Poppy”) to his two grandchildren, Raena Claire and Esdra Lawrence.

In his later years, Larry endured multiple surgeries and treatments for heart disease and a brain tumor. However, he always kept a positive outlook, continued his active life as long as he could, and remained a fighter until the end.

Larry was pre-deceased by his parents and his two sisters, Claudette Ann Keupp and Mary Jane Ford and their spouses. He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Maureen; beloved children and their spouses, Michèle Louise Bauer Yount (Christopher Yount) and Christopher Ryan Bauer (Roberto Abreu) and his grandchildren, Raena Claire Yount and Esdra Lawrence Bauer-Abreu. Larry is also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful for the love and support of our family and friends and for the care provided by Larry’s medical providers, VA caregivers, and the Empath Hospice Yellow Team. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Larry’s memory to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation or the charity of your choosing.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church (1507 Trotter Road, Largo, FL 33770) on Friday, January 23 at 10:00 a.m. followed by an internment service at Dignity-Serenity Gardens Memorial Park (13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774) with a memorial reception and luncheon thereafter in the Library Room of the funeral home.