Lawrence E. Smith, Sr.

Lawrence E. Smith, Sr. “beloved by all”

LITTLE GENESEE, N.Y.---Lawrence E. “Larry” Smith, Sr., 82, of Little Genesee, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2022, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, after a long illness.

Born on Thursday, April 11, 1940, in Portville, he was a son of Edwin L. and Doris Mae Washburn Smith. On June 11, 1966 in Our Lady of Good Council Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas, he married Esther G. Garcia, who passed away on December 4, 2015.

Larry was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Shinglehouse, Class of 1958. After high school, Larry enlisted in the US Air Force, serving for 8 years, two tours in Germany, one tour in Alaska, and one tour in Texas, where he met the love of his life, Esther, while bowling.

Larry was employed in various jobs in the area. His career at the former Olean Tile Company in Olean, spanned 30 years.

Larry was a 44 year member of Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530. An avid bowler, Larry had two 300 games and a high series of 826, a record high for the Olean City League. He was a member of the former Sharon Grange in Shinglehouse.

Surviving are a son, Lawrence E. “Larry” Smith, Jr. of Little Genesee; a daughter, Irene J. Faux of Corpus Christi, Texas; a foster daughter, Minerva (Kevin Sands) Garcia of Portville; six grandchildren, Allison Rogers, Jordan Smith, Natalie Smith, William Rogers, Anthony Rogers, and Lucas Smith; seven foster grandchildren, Kevin (Angela) Sands, Jr., Stephanie (Tim) Wardner, Susan Sands, Justin (Olivia) Sands, Stacy Garcia Servantes, Sara Garcia Marez, and Matthew (Alexis) Garcia; 4 great-grandchildren, Hadese Rogers, Olivia Rogers, Jorgio Smith, and Francesca Smith; eight foster great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Larry was predeceased by two sisters, Janet Smith and Beverly Bundy; a brother, Kenneth Smith; and a foster son, Antonio Garcia.

Family and friends may call from 10am to noon on Monday, April 18, 2022, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, Pa., where funeral services will follow at noon with the Rev. Russell J. Horning of Shinglehouse, officiating. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shinglehouse American Legion, 1364 SR 44S, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 or to the Bolivar Ambulance Association, 460 Main Street, Bolivar, NY 14715.

Larry’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Pa.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Larry, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.