Lawrence Delmar

Loving husband, father and grandfather; youth sports advocate for thousands of Staten Island youngsters

Larry Delmar, 66, of New Dorp, died Tuesday, March 27, 2018, in Staten Island University Hospital.

A lifelong Staten Islander, Larry got involved at an early age in encouraging children to grow by participating in organized baseball. Over three decades, he became a role model and leader at Staten Island Little League for countless young athletes.

One of those youngsters was infielder Jimmy Oddo, who would grow up to be elected Staten Island borough president, the position he holds today.

"Generations of young people, myself included, played ball at Staten Island Little League. It is an institution. Larry Delmar was one of the unsung heroes who built and sustained SILL and, in turn, ensured young people enjoyed the game of baseball while learning life lessons on the diamond," said Oddo.

"Larry's contributions to youth sports and young people across the borough may not be well known by Staten Islanders outside of the youth sports universe, but his contribution to the fabric of this community was real and appreciated. His loss is felt by many of us."

Larry - who raised four children with his wife of 47 years, Diane (Potterfield) - worked as a surveyor and construction management professional with Con Edison. He retired from the company after 35 years.

Larry leveraged his construction management expertise to benefit homeowners and businesses in the borough as well, operating a contracting company that focused on major and minor projects alike.

His friends remember Larry as someone always willing to lend a hand and help out in times of trouble. For instance, immediately after Superstorm Sandy, Larry was front and center at the Staten Island Little League facility in Dongan Hills, helping to coordinate major repair efforts.

"Larry would be the first guy to take the shirt off his back to help people," added Eddie Canlon, a longtime friend and owner of Canlon's Restaurant in Oakwood.

Larry's leadership of Staten Island Little League included serving on the board of directors for more than 30 years, as a vice president for more than 20 years, and a term as president.

Larry also served for more than 20 years as president of the Seaver Avenue Men's Club, which raised funds to help support Staten Island Little League.

Larry was a leader in the youth basketball Olympic League years ago at Our Lady Queen of Peace School, New Dorp, coaching players, officiating games, and doing whatever was required to help maintain and improve facilities.

Larry graduated from St. Peter's Boys High School, and earned a bachelor's degree from College of Staten Island.

Larry was predeceased by his father, Joseph Delmar, mother, Dorothy (Lewis), and brother, Bruce.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Brian, Daniel and Stephen; a daughter, Elizabeth Catena; six grandchildren, Brianna, Jessica, Samantha, Aiden, Jake and Robert, and two sisters, Kim Caprario and Debbie Laroy.

Larry's brother-in-law, Richie Caprario, and friend, Peter Mulroy, were like brothers to Larry, and helped him tremendously over the years, offering their friendship and ongoing support.

The family will receive friends Monday, April 2, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Harmon Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at Harmon at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 3. Burial will be in Moravian Cemetery.