Lawrence William Larkin

Every so often, life surprises us in the most devastating of ways. It is with deepest sadness and heartbreak that I share that my father, Lawrence W. Larkin, age 69, died on June 10, 2021. Larry didn’t live life by the book, he did it better. He looked forward to any opportunity to get to know someone new, or engage in deeply intelligent, or completely goofy conversation with a loved one. Anyone that could keep up with his knowledge of the Pittsburgh Steelers, mechanical engineering, or United States History was in for a treat when they had the opportunity to sit down for a meal or a beer with my dad. Above all else, my dad loved his family and friends. His “big sister,” Maureen (Brennan) Hart, is his forever best friend. The two of them could easily have a three hour phone conversation on a daily basis. Their brother/sister relationship is one that I dream that my own children are able to emulate one day. Maureen is a constant source of comfort and guidance to my dad. He expressed his gratitude for her on a regular basis. Larry was a devoted husband to his wife, Constance Larkin, who preceded him in death. My mom and dad built a beautiful life together in Wexford, Pennsylvania, where their home was filled with loving inclusiveness. Sitting on the patio on summer nights was their favorite pastime. Traveling the world, and having adventures was a true joy to them. Larry and Connie provided a loving home for our family. Dad is the name that my sister, Lanna, and I called Larry. My dad loved being the father of two little girls. He would pack us up, along with our baby dolls and baby doll strollers and take us shopping for real baby clothes for our dolls. What a sight we must have been, a dad, two little girls, and their baby dolls in strollers at the department store requesting newborn sized clothing! One of my dad’s greatest joys was watching Lanna ride horses. He took a full camera roll of photos at every horse show, fox hunt, or just a day at the barn with Lanna’s horse. The day I married Owen Tracy, my dad gained a son. In my dad’s eyes, Owen was an expert on a multitude of things. Oftentimes, in conversation, he would ask me a question. When I responded, he would say, “Let’s see what Owen says.” Becoming a grandfather was perhaps my dad’s greatest pleasure. His two grandchildren, Henry Matthew, and Elise Constance were the light of his life. He attended basketball games, horseback riding lessons, recitals, and anything else he could support his grand “chillins” in. But most importantly, he was present in their daily lives. The little things were the big things to my dad. “Grandpa” has taken a huge role in raising these two beautiful children. Larry’s dear friend, Severina Redgate-Foltz was his partner in adventure. The two of them loved to travel. From the Philippines to local battle fields, they wore smiles on their faces learning and exploring. Larry will be a cherished memory to his niece and nephews, and countless friends. A loss like this is one that weighs so heavily on the hearts of loved ones. I can tell you that Larry has left his mark on the world through the many people he touched with his kindness. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Lauren Larkin (Owen) Tracy; grandchildren, Henry Matthew and Elise Constance Tracy; sister, Maureen (Brennan) Hart; Ruth (James) Unger; and son-in-law, Clay Cassidy; dear friend, Severina Redgate-Foltz; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Larry was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Constance Ellen Larkin; daughter, Lanna Larkin Cassidy; and sister, Patrice Larkin. A memorial service will be held at Simons Funeral Home on Perry Highway in Pittsburgh, PA on Wednesday, June 16th at 11:00 a.m. A viewing will occur prior to that at 10:00a.m. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Larry’s name be made to the National Kidney Foundation serving the Alleghenies, 2403 Sidney Street, Suite 230, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (kidney.org/donation)