Lawrence N. Smith Sr., age 78, of Hancock, Wisconsin died April 22, 2014 at St. Michael’s
Hospital in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
No services will be held per his request.
Lawrence was born December 1, 1935 in Bayfield, Wisconsin to Clark and Bridget (O’Day) Smith.
Following high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1957.
He married Florence G. Brogan on August 11, 1956 in Jersey City, New Jersey. They were blessed with three sons, Larry Jr., Keith, and Timothy.
Larry Sr. worked in the wire and cable business for over 50 years.
He enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, and especially spending time with his grandchildren.
He was a member of NAB, SMPTE and SBE.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sons, Keith Smith; Timothy Smith; Larry Smith Jr., and his brother, Bob Smith
Survivors:
Wife: Florence Smith of Hancock, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Lauren Smith of Carol Stream, Illinois
Granddaughter: Kayla Smith of Hancock, Wisconsin
Grandson: Lawrence Smith of Newport Richey, Florida
Sister: Virginia Kochar of Nashwauk, Minnesota
Sister: Kathleen (Ernie) Burns of Nashwauk, Minnesota
Sister: Sue (Joe) Krznarich of Golden Canyon, Arizona
Sister: Deborah Block of Nashwauk, Minnesota
Sister-in-law: Pearl Smith of Nashwauk, Minnesota
Sister-in- law: Margie Egbert of East Brunswick, New Jersey
Further survived by an aunt, cousins, nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Larry will always be remembered by Susan and I. There was nothing fake about Larry, he said it as it was and when the chips were down he was there for you.
A heart of gold and loved the little ones more than anything….every holiday our little Clara Ann (7 months old now) received a card from the Smith’s and he would always ask me how she was doing. He was a good man. I’ve know Larry some 20 plus years and will remember the good times and smile when I think of him and the laughs we had.
I was heartbroken when I was told of Larry’s passing. Mr. Smith was my favorite guest at my hotel and became one of my greatest friends. I had the honor of meeting his wife and grandchildren, all of them just amazing people. Larry was a great man who it will miss terribly. My sincerest condolences to his family.
I was totally shocked at the news of Larry’s passing, and my strongest condolences to his family and friends. I’ve known Larry for about 20 years or so in the broadcast industry, and saw him last at GV Expo in Wash, DC in Dec. He came by to visit on his Rascal on Thursday at NAB and I was out of the booth. Everyone told me he stopped by to visit, but he drove that scooter at an unbelievable pace and he was long gone. I missed the last opportunity to say hi and reminisce over our working careers. We’ll remember you Larry!!
I was so sorry to hear about Larry. We had some good times back in the day. It was like having a second family at Shop Rite. Larry and you put up with the bunch of us. I still remember Spotswood and Larry telling me he knew my dad from the bar. Take care of your self . Always Kathy&Joe
Dear Florie,
Larry will be missed tremendously. He gave me my first job in the wire and cable business 20 years ago. He recognized in me an interest in the biz and some talent, and by using his unique communication skills, filled my head with all sorts on nonsense, most of which I fondly remember and still use to this day. It did take me a while to realize that when he was screaming at me, it wasn’t because was angry, it was because what he was saying was IMPORTANT. Once I figured that out, it was pretty smooth sailing. We got a lot of really good work done together. I’m going to really miss having him at the other end of the phone, bouncing ideas and opinions off of him, and listening to his insights about the people and situations we were stuck in, and trying to figure out the best way to proceed. As crazy as he seemed at times, sometimes it felt like we were the only two sane people in the room. He was like a brother, a second Dad, and a pain in the ass uncle, all rolled into one. In short, the best boss a guy could ever ask for.
Thanks for all your hospitality over the years. don’t hesitate to call if you need a hand with anything. My deepest sympathies are with you and all of his family. I wish you peace Florie.
Keith.
The Hyatt Place Itasca team was very saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Smith. We all enjoyed our interactions with him and his fine family. Our condolescences go out to you as he will be missed.
Dear Florie and Kayla,
So sorry for your loss. He will be deeply missed by all. Larry was one of a kind. They broke the mold after him. I will always remember his dry sense of humor, the sound of his laugh and the “unique way” he expressed himself. He is in a much better place than we are. He’s free!
With all my sympathy,
Your friend Nan
I have known Mr. Smith for many years. My condolences to the family. He loved his family. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.
I am Very much sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. He and I had some very good times. In the wire & cable business. Larry would always call me about twise a year. I really looked foward to thse calls. He always had great stories. I was real pleased to know him, and loved him the way he was.. God bless you, and your family.
When I was informed of Larry’s passing, I was deeply saddened, but started remembering things from our personal and working relationships. I remember lot’s of laughter between our familys while living in South Carolina and will bever forget the working times as well. Larry was a unique individual and will be missed by all that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with Flori and the rest of the family.
Having known Larry for twenty years I am saddened by his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
I have know Larry since the early 90’s. A great man with a wealth of knowledge and a heart of gold. He will be missed but not forgotten. Our prayers are with Larry and his family.
Panko
My family sends their sympathies in the loss of Larry Sr. I spoke to Larry Sr for quite awhile a few months back when my mom passed away. Although it had been years since we spoke, it felt like we spoke everyday. He spoke of “the boys” and his grandchildren. Larry’s voice had joy in it when he spoke of them, how proud he was of each of them, and what they were up to. “Big Larry” as I knew him, was an important part of my early teens, knew how to have a good time, and by example showed that you needed to work hard, to be able to have enjoyment, without sacrificing time with your family. For the “kids” although you have lost your dad and pop, so young-as you get older everyday you will have a memory that will help you through life- the light will turn on-and you will catch yourself saying= So that’s why dad did that-or wait- I remember when this happened to pop- and he did this” Write down your stories and memories, you need to share with your own children. He was so so proud of each of you. I can’t help thinking of the reunion with”The Team” again. I will keep all of you in my prayers for strength and guidance.
Larry was a great guy. Luckily, I had lunch with Larry and the Shattuc team at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, so at least I got to visit with him recently. He will be missed. My condolences and wishes for smiles to return quickly to his entire family.
I knew the man and finally met him at this years NAB. Larry was everything I admired in a man, a few minutes into our conversation and walk down memory lane, he said it how it was! eloquently put, no beating around the bush. I enjoyed lunch together and will never forget our talk and never forget the man. My deepest condolences.
I was deeply saddened at the passing of Larry~ throughout Tuesday’s shift, I thought of him so often and missed him.
Mrs. Smith, I will pray for you~
What a privilege it is to know you and Larry.
Sending you a big hug!
Flory and Kayla,
We were sadded to hear of Larry’s passing. He was such an interesting individual and will be missed by many. I (Ellen) will particularly miss Larry’s sense of humor.
If you need anything at all, please let us know.
Love,
Greg, Ellen, Jared, and Haley
WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE. HE WAS A VERY FUNNY AND NICE MAN AND HE WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH.