Larry Michalec
Larry Michalec passed away suddenly, yet peacefully, on July 17, 2024, beside his loving wife Rita in the Eternal City of Rome. He enjoyed his final days traveling across Italy with his family.
Larry was born on February 24, 1960 in Akron, Ohio into a large Polish Catholic family. He graduated from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in 1978, where he met the love of his life, Rita (née DeCarlo). He then graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in Sales/Marketing, leading to a 38-year career in sales beginning at BrownGraves Lumber and ending at the Ruscoe Company. He thrived on the daily interactions with customers and made numerous lifelong friends in the process.
He had a strong faith and great work ethic. He was very generous with his time, always willing to help a family member, neighbor, or stranger in need. Larry was a music fanatic, with a special love for jazz, funk, and classic rock. He was cool, man! Larry was also a great golfer and cherished playing with his boys and golf league cronies. He enjoyed his garden, and was very proud of his roses that were started by his father. Larry also continued the annual, family tradition to pickle and jar Hungarian medium hot peppers, giving jars to all his favorite people.
Larry was known by all for his great smile, infectious laugh, elaborate jokes, and the “best” hugs. He loved his family most of all. Family trips and quality time together were a priority, especially spending time at their special place, Ocean Isle Beach, NC, and making everlasting memories. No matter where he was, Larry was happiest while gazing at the Moon (“Bella Luna”) and holding onto his “Lovely Rita.”
Larry is preceded in death by his loving parents, Michael and Rosemarie Michalec; his in-laws, Tony and Betty DeCarlo, who loved their “Polish Prince;” his siblings-in-law, Debra Michalec and Gary Fisher; and his nephew, Andy Michalec. Larry is survived by Rita, his wife of 42 years; his sons, Charlie (Danielle) and Vince (Clare); his grandsons, Vito and Theo Michalec; and his fur babies, Paco and Ella. Larry is also survived by his sisters, Kathey and Pat; his brothers and “best buddies,” Paul (Kathy), Mike (Chris), and Steve Michalec; his best friend, Jamie Cavalier; his siblingsin-law, Toni Fisher, Frank (Karen) DeCarlo, Chris (Mel) DeCarlo, Cindy (Mike) Protich; and many loving nieces and nephews, relatives, colleagues, and friends.
Life is too short, but love is forever. As Larry always said, here’s to “Free Love”!
The family will receive friends at Hennessy Funeral Home (552 N. Main St., Akron) on Friday, August 23rd, from 4-7 p.m. A mass in celebration of Larry’s life will be held at St. Vincent Church (164 W. Market St., Akron) on Saturday, August 24th, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Larry’s name to the following: St. Vincent de Paul Parish School (17 S. Maple St., Akron) and Food for the Poor (www.foodforthepoor.org).