Lawrence Horatio Lauro
10/26/24 ~ 06/18/08
Our beloved husband, father and grandfather passed from this life into the welcoming arms of his Savior and Friend on June 18, 2008. Larry fought a courageous fight to the end against lung cancer. His example of long suffering and perseverance was an inspiration to us all. Larry was born to Frank and Evelyn Lauro on October 26, 1924 in Washington, PA. From his earliest days Larry loved to be outdoors, which posed a problem for his teachers who, for some reason, insisted on having classes inside. Nevertheless, Larry graduated and went away to college in Ohio where he met his first wife, Beverly. They had two lovely daughters, Lynne Sue and Laraine. After just a few short years of marriage, Beverly died of leukemia, leaving Larry a widower with two small children. With indomitable spirit, he picked himself up and went forward, knowing that all would be well. And why not for the self-described "luckiest guy in the world."
Larry's fortunes changed when he met the beautiful Beverly June Blecker in Columbus, Ohio in 1954. Beverly was modeling and singing at the county fair. On Oct 2, 1954, Larry and Beverly were married, not long after, they welcomed their son, Lawrence William into their family.
In 1959 Larry announced to the family that he had had enough of Ohio winters and was moving the family to Florida. Beverly, always the level-headed one, asked if he was crazy-they didn't know a soul in Florida, nor did they have a job or a place to stay. Not a problem for Lucky Larry, and so in 1959 the family moved to Florida.
Larry was an outgoing, gregarious optimist who loved people, and they loved him in return. After trying his hand at several jobs, Larry quite accidently fell into what would become his life-long profession: sales. Larry could sell anything to anybody, because he loved people. He was with the John Hancock Life Insurance Co. for 32 years.
Florida was great- sunny weather, beautiful beaches and year-round golf. So why then did Larry announce in 1970 that he had accepted a job transfer to Salt Lake City, of all places? Beverly again thought he was crazy. But Larry said he felt inspired to take the transfer, even though it meant cold weather and less golf. So in May 1970, Larry, Bev, and Bill moved to Utah where Larry's inspiration was revealed: all three joined the LDS Church.
Just two years later Larry and Beverly were transferred back to Florida. Now, far away from Utah, they drifted away from the Church. In 1985 Larry retired and he and Beverly moved back to Utah to be by Bill and his kids (what a pull grandkids have).
In 1996 Larry suffered a severe Hemorrhagic stroke. Upon awaking from his nine-day coma he announced he was taking his wife to the temple! After months of rehab, and good to his word, Larry and Bev were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on Oct. 2, 1997, their 42nd wedding anniversary.
The couple has since served a mission at the Bishop's Storehouse for three years, and Larry has worked as a proxy in the Temple every Tues. for 10 years.
In 2006 Larry was found to have lung cancer. Surgery was hard, but he did well. And then this Feb. the cancer recurred. Knowing he was terminal, he simply asked, "Have I done enough to warrant the Lord's forgiveness? Am I worthy?" Yes, Dad, you're worthy. Enter into the rest of the Lord.
Larry is survived by his loving wife, Beverly, daughters Lynne Bestic (Bill) and Laraine Schorr (Fred), son Dr. William Lauro (Melissa), six grandchildren, and an LDS ward that makes the City of Enoch pale in comparison. Thank you all for your
support.
Funeral Services will be held Sat., June 21, 2008 at 12 Noon at the Westview Ward, 2180 E. Meadowlark Way (9020 S). A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, also one and a half hours prior to service, both viewings at the Church. Interment to follow at Mountain View Memorial Cemetery, 3115 E. 7800 S. (Bengal Blvd).