Jay M. Larkin

Jay was the beloved soulmate of Betty Dix and dad to his boys, Bentley and Cezar. He was the head of his extended family, Pete (Dana) Balandiak, Lisa Balandiak and Nicole (Mike) Stevens. He is also survived by his grandchildren P.J. Balandiak, Stephanie Balandiak, Pat Balandiak, Tad Jacob, Gabby (Dan) Matthews, Colton Stevens, Kendall Stevens and Taylor Stevens; sister-in-law Jeanne Larkin, nephews Kevin Larkin and Jeff Larkin and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents James and Dorothy Larkin, and his brother Allan Larkin.

Jay graduated from Conestoga High School in 1957, where he lettered in baseball and football. In highschool, baseball was his thing but cars have been his passion. Even in high school, he did street racing and later in life got into dirt track racing.

He was a master engine builder and won a championship with Mike Illes. He loved Nascar, Jay & Betty traveled to several races each year. He had a 1973 Thunderbird that they hauled around the country for antique car shows. He won all the awards with that car. His major accomplishment was Larkin Auto Service, which he owned and operated for 60 years and it is still in operation today.

Although he could have a gruff exterior he was extremely tender hearted and kind to all those who knew him.

Services are scheduled for Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Alleva Funeral Home, Inc. A visitation will be held at 11:00am with the memorial service to follow at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donation in memory of Jay can be made to the Brandywine Valley SPCA: https://bvspca.org/donate/honor-a-life