Lawrence Benedict DiBasio

Larry was born in Detroit on June 17, 1940 to Pasquale (Pat) and Elvira DiBasio. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Jan (née Lee). He was a loving father to Laura (Eric) Cesa, Steve DiBasio, Kristi (Josh) Jones and Carrie (Matt) Hodrosky, and wonderful Papa to 12 grandchildren: Molly, Graham, Ivy, William, Libby, Mackenzie, Eli, Lexi, Maddie, Michael, Miles and Max. He was a brother to Dean (Darcie) DiBasio and Sandi (Bill) Wallace. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Larry attended Carsten Elementary in Detroit followed by Jackson Intermediate and Cass Technical High School. At Cass Tech, Larry was the quarterback for the football team, a star pitcher on the baseball team, and President of his Senior Class. He was also voted “most athletic” by his classmates in his senior year.

During his high school summers, he played Class B and D baseball in the Fireman’s League (Battalion 2) and on an American Legion Team, once striking out 17 batters in a game. A favorite memory from his high school years was pitching in Briggs (later Tiger) stadium and winning 4-3.

After high school, he attended Michigan State University, graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering. During those summers he worked for his father’s construction company laying cement. He was proud of withstanding the difficult physical labor the job entailed, and thought the experience served him well.

Following college, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. His first post was in San Antonio, Texas for Officer Training School. He was then commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota where he attended Missile Engineering School. He was then sent to Wright Patterson in Dayton, Ohio for additional training, earning a distinguished rating. This was followed by an assignment in Tucson, Arizona. He was granted a top secret cryptology security clearance and promoted to Captain. His final assignment was in West Pakistan, a front-line country during the Cold War. He was proud to have served his country for almost five years.

Returning home, Larry enrolled at the University of Detroit Law School, graduating with honors. He was then hired as an Assistant City Attorney for Dearborn. In 1979, Larry and his young family moved to Livonia and he became House Counsel for Kemper Insurance, remaining there until his retirement.

Larry enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He was an accomplished amateur artist and loved collecting art supplies. He enjoyed cooking, playing all kinds of sports, and watching his local Detroit sport teams. He also loved listening to music, staying in shape, and the time he spent on his kayak in Lake Huron.

Larry was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a lifetime member of the American Legion. He was a devout Catholic and parishioner at St. Colette in Livonia since 1979.

Larry loved his family deeply and was deeply loved in return. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A funeral in state for Lawrence will be held Monday, March 15, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St Colette Catholic Church, 17600 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48152, followed by a mass of christian burial at 11:30 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HarryjWillLivonia.com for the DiBasio family.