Lawrence A. George, 79, of Lancaster, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Lancaster General Hospital. He was the loving husband of Joyce (Amirault) George, to whom he was married for 56 years.
Born in Boston, MA, he was the son of the late Aubrey and Grace (Patterson) George.
After graduating from Malden High School, Larry’s professional career included thirty years at Continental Can, during which time he rose from general laborer to plant superintendent by the time of his ‘first’ retirement. He was lured back to manufacturing, and achieved his career goal and exemplified the “American Dream” with six years as a director of operations for Crown Cork & Seal. Larry also served in the Massachusetts National Guard Reserves for eight years, his Company K memorably facing down ‘the Red Scare’ in October, 1962.
In his spare time, Larry enjoyed writing creatively and very humorously; reading everything, but especially historical works and spy novels; classic jazz; carpentry; traveling; watching pro football and really bad movies; playing ‘fantasy’ football with his son and their friends; home improvement projects that never quite went as planned and spending time with his adoring family. He touched everyone he met with his wry humor and will be deeply missed.
In addition to his partner in love and laughter, Joyce, he is survived by a reverential son, Lawrence M. George (husband of Dianna); a cherished daughter, Michelle Kauffman, and two beloved grandsons, Jonathan and Ethan, all of Lancaster, PA; sisters, Nancy Barbuto of Danvers, MA, Marcia Eddy of Londonderry, NH, Linn Morse of Santee, CA and Diane Frazer (partner of Rob) of San Diego, CA; brother, David Morse (husband of Carol Surette) of Malden, MA; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother, Warren George (husband of Nancy Mae) and sister, Lydia Barbrick.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 141 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602 on Friday, April 27, 2018 at 11:00 AM. A viewing will be held at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again on Friday at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.
Scott Suhring
April 24, 2018 at 3:44 pmI can certainly better understand how Larry gets his humor and approach to life after reading about his father. My thoughts will be with your family through this difficult yet joyous time in celebrating his life.
Vicki Poole
April 24, 2018 at 3:47 pmDearest Larry and Di and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know Big Larry was such a special person and so very dear to you. I know we’re a consolation but we’re here for you with our love.
Yvette
April 24, 2018 at 5:53 pmAs the George house was a second home to me growing up. Mr. George will be missed dearly. I’m sorry you all are going through this. I loved his sense of humor and he was a wonderful person. Prayers and hugs for all.
Kerry Specht
April 24, 2018 at 6:30 pmWe are very sorry for your loss. We are thinking and praying for your family. Rest In Peace Mr. George.
Tara Hauber
April 24, 2018 at 9:55 pmMichelle,
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss! I am thinking of you and your family!
Bob Abel
April 25, 2018 at 7:31 amLarry was a great guy to work for. My day’s at Continental Can are memories I will always cherish. Larry had a great sense of humor which made the day’s there fun. As we all grow older and lose those friend’s the memories will always remain. My condolences to his family.
Bob Abel
Brian Metzler
April 25, 2018 at 7:42 amLarry, I would like to take this time and send you and your family our condolences (the Metzler family) of the pasting of your father.
Marcia Musser
April 25, 2018 at 8:53 amLarry, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Linda Smith
April 25, 2018 at 9:27 amLarry & Dianna: Words can never convey how much a loved one will be missed and a friend’s sorrow for your loss. Cherish all the wonderful memories you have of your beloved dad. Larry you are certainly his living legacy. My deepest sympathy to all of your family.
Deb Fuss
April 25, 2018 at 10:08 amLarry, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He sounds like a wonderful man, and you learned well from him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Joy Sharp
April 25, 2018 at 11:23 amTony and I were so shocked and saddened to learn of “Laurie’s” passing. Larry had such a dry sense of humor – he was funny, strong and capable. The best husband to Joyce and the epitome of a good Dad to Larry and Michelle. Every time I read one of his recent FB posts, I could hear him speaking the words in his special voice. I met Larry thru Joyce who I’ve known for about 35 years and was very blessed to call them friends. The coming weeks and months will be extremely difficult but this close, loving family will draw strength from each other and remember their husband and father in the funny, special ways that he would want them to. Much love….. Joy and Tony
Brian Dudonis
April 25, 2018 at 11:23 amLarry,
Sorry to hear the bad news.
‘Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.’ Gilbran
Chris Wise
April 25, 2018 at 11:55 amLarry, Dianna & family, My condolences on your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jennifer Koppel
April 25, 2018 at 4:37 pmI am so sorry for your loss, Larry. My heart breaks for you and your family. Peace to you and your family.
Pamela Hunt
April 25, 2018 at 7:22 pmJoyce, Larry, Michelle, and family-I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Though it has been years, I remember the time spent in your company, including one very memorable Oscar night. The company was tons of fun, extremely intelligent, sharp-witted, and it was clear to me that my friend Larry got the best qualities of both his parents. An extraordinary family. I hope your strength and the wonderful memories will buoy your spirits through the difficult times ahead. You are in my thoughts.
Sherill Hostetter
April 25, 2018 at 8:06 pmLarry and Dianna, I am sorry to hear of your loss.. From reading the obituary, your father seemed to be loved and respected by his family and many others. May the wonderful memories you have from knowing him in life carry you through your grief and loss of the goodbye.
Chad Wickenheiser
April 26, 2018 at 12:45 pmI’m honored to have gotten to know Big L over the past several years. The term “they don’t make them like that anymore” certainly applies to Big L. Larry had a great sense of humor and I enjoyed our friendly banter back and forth. I’ll miss Big L’s whimsical posts as Team Titanic in Fantasy Football. Larry shared a ton of stories I won’t forget: experiences going to the beach as a kid; growing up without a father; working as a corner man (boxing); taking the commuter flight from MA to NYC/NJ ; and his time in the reserves. I know family met everything to Larry. He often spoke about the fulfillment of watching his grandsons play hockey, and having the opportunity to take his oldest grandson to Penn State University on may occasions. Larry deeply cared for his wife, Joyce, and taught me valuable life lessons like, “under no circumstances discuss politics with the in-laws.” Larry was the role model for being a good parent. Larry admired his children and sacrificed greatly having to travel for work while they grew up, but he did so to make sure his children had the things they wanted, and needed. Larry assumed many roles in my life; friend, mentor, Fantasy Football co-manager, uncle, brother, and may more. My condolences to the family during this difficult time.
Mary Steffy and Ben Martin
April 27, 2018 at 1:31 pmOur sincere condolences on the death of your cherished family member, Lawrence A. It was a beautiful service, and we were surrounded by your loving family and friends. What an amazing man he obviously was. May God and your precious memories sustain and comfort you.
Jim Laughman
April 27, 2018 at 10:38 pmTerri and I give all our love and support to a loving family . Larry and Di we support and love you.
Jim Laughman and Terri Carr
Babe Quintrall
May 4, 2018 at 10:57 amI am sorry for your family’s loss of Lawrence. May you find comfort in the many precious memories you shared together as well as God’s promise to restore our dear loved ones to perfect life on a paradise earth. As you contemplate that promise, draw close to God in prayer and he will draw close to you and provide you with the needed strength to carry you through the difficult days ahead. All the best wishes for your family at this time, take care.