Lawrence Joseph Sasadeusz

Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Sasadeusz passed away on September 30, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on March 29, 1942, in Ambridge, Pennsylvania to Walter and Josephine (Markowski) Sasadeusz, Larry lived a life of tenacity and devotion to those he loved most.

Considered by many to be “one of the smartest men they’ve ever known,” Larry never met a topic he couldn’t speak about, and there seemed to be no subject outside his expertise. His intellect was born out of his time at West Virginia University (Tech), where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1964. There, he was also a member of the Alpha Chapter of the Psi Delta Fraternity. Larry’s enthusiasm for knowledge led him to eventually receive three master’s degrees from West Coast University.

Larry was a deeply devoted patriot who held a profound passion for his country. From 1966 to 1968, Larry proudly served in the U.S. Army. He served with the U.S. Army Environmental Hygiene Agency at Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland under the Army Materiel Command. He was honorably discharged as an E-4 Specialist, having earned the National Defense Service Medal and qualifying as an M14 Rifle Expert.

Larry then spent his longstanding career with the Southern California Gas Company/Sempra Energy, where he managed several projects including the Great Plains Gasification Plant in North Dakota, the Pico Rivera Engineering Analysis Center, and the Aliso Canyon Turbine Replacement. His dedicated work ethic and natural leadership earned him a spot as an elected member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Larry retired in 2014 after 49 years.

Larry’s unwavering dedication was magnified when turned toward his family and loved ones. He was fortunate to marry the love of his life, Katherine “Kathy” Kozma, on August 8, 1964, in Boomer, West Virginia. Larry and Kathy were married for 62 years and raised three children, whom he was immensely proud of. Family was at the center of his universe, and being “Dad” and “Papa” was his life’s achievement. He cherished spending summer vacations with his children and spoiling his grandkids with the best pool toys and fun boat rides.

A firm believer that “nothing a good roll of Duct tape couldn’t fix,” Larry was renowned for his ability to fix anything and for setting up the most impressive campsites. As a member of the North Hills Jaycees, he put his handiness to work when organizing one of his favorite activities, the annual Factory of Nightmares.

Larry found enjoyment in a good western, country music, and all things John Wayne. He leaves behind a legacy of steadfast love to those he cherished most, a dictionary of witty “Papa-isms,” and a family who will carry the weight of his unforgettable memory.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Kathy; his three children, Kevin (Jodi) Sasadeusz, Ann (Michael) Galle, and Cheryl (Erik) Hertzog; and his nine grandchildren, Natalie, Eric, Adam, Rachel, Ryan, Kaitlyn, Addison, Brandon, and Daniella.

Larry was preceded in death by his sister, Laura Bookbinder, and his parents, Walter and Josephine Sasadeusz.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shriners Children's or Tunnel to Towers in his name.