In Memoriam: Irwin 'Larry' H. Laurencelle

From DellaVecchia Funeral Home.

Irwin (Larry) H. Laurencelle, of Southington, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2016 at Mid-State Medical Center.

He was born on Nov. 30, 1919 in Lowell, MA to the late George A. Laurencelle and Yvonne (DesJardin) Laurencelle.

He was the loving husband of the late Marie (Bostwick) Laurencelle.

He was a devoted husband and loving father as well as a talented and gifted sign painter and craftsman.

He was a veteran of World War ll serving in the U.S. Army. He successfully owned and operated Shiner Sign Co., in Meriden, until his retirement in 1982. He founded The Flag Store of Connecticut and helped design the Connecticut Bicentennial Flag, presenting the first flag to then Gov. Ella Grasso.

His great love was playing the harmonica for the group called “The Harmonica Guys”, who played throughout CT. He was a member of the Meriden Rotary Club and was awarded the distinction of the “Paul Harris Fellows award” by the National Rotarian Foundation. He was also a member of the Y’s Men’s Club.

After retiring he took up wood crafting, making many works of art for his children, family and friends and toys for his grandchildren. He donated many toys he made for Toys for Tots.

He is survived by four sons, Douglas and wife Jane of NC, Robert and wife Wanda of Meriden, Carl of AZ, James and wife Lori of Wolcott and a daughter Gayle Petit of IN. He has seven grandchildren, Nicole Laurencelle of NH, Brian Laurencelle of NC, Sam Laurencelle of Meriden, Edward & Michael Petit of IN and Michael & Melissa Laurencelle of Wolcott. He also leaves three great grandchildren, Michael and Marie Petit of AZ and Samantha Laurencelle of NC.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Francis & Raymond Laurencelle.

A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, 10a.m. at St. Thomas Church, 99 Bristol St., Southington. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Memorial calling hours will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, CT Chapter, 659 Tower Ave., 1st Fl., Hartford, CT 06112.