Larry was born Lawrence Leo Carolan III to Lawrence Leo Carolan II and Margaret (Schmucki) in Philadelphia, PA in 1949. He grew up in Wenonah, NJ with his mother, step-father James Blourne, and ½ siblings Barbara and Jimmy, who all preceded him in death.
After graduating from Deptford High School, Larry volunteered for the service and was in the US Army for 3 years during Vietnam. Once back home, Larry started driving tractor-trailer and worked for several companies, finally settling in at Dennis Trucking Co./Woodhaven foods.
Larry drove for Woodhaven for many years, delivering food from Philadelphia to NYC (downtown, midtown, and Spanish Harlem). He loved having coffee and a bagel while watching the sun come up over the Statue Of Liberty. Larry was in his element in NYC. He accumulated over 500,000 miles accident free while delivering there. One of his customers called him “One Shot,” because of his ability to back up the truck in one shot, blindside, into a loading dock on a NYC street. Larry was trusted so much by some of his customers that they gave him a key to their business so he could make deliveries in the middle of the night while no one else was there. Larry was hard working, and he hustled. Fridays were heavy delivery days. If he took a Friday off, his boss had to split his deliveries in half and send two drivers to complete what Larry normally delivered on his own. His loyal mannequin “Bertha” was always by his side riding shotgun. She was there as security and entertainment!
When Woodhaven was sold, the family moved to Hamilton, near where Lynne grew up. He finished his career by driving 15 years as a road driver for USF Holland. He took days off whenever he could to see his kids participating in their activities.
After Larry retired he loved going to the gym, watching football (especially the Eagles), and taking care of his prized Jeep.
Larry loved life and loved his family. He was always willing to help someone in need.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lynne; 3 children, Matthew, Sean, and Shannon (Tony) Emerson; many extended family and friends.
A private family memorial will take place at a later date.
Donations in memory of Larry can be made to the Community Action House (739 Paw Paw Dr., Holland, MI 49423) (https://communityactionhouse.app.neoncrm.com/forms/give)
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