September 17, 1947 - October 14, 2022

“Larry”, of Medina, formerly of Berea, Ohio passed away on October 14th after a long battle with complications of a stroke.  Larry was born to Frank and Agnes in Cleveland, Ohio on September 17, 1947.  After attending St. Adalbert’s, Berea High, Kent State, Tri-C and Cleveland State, he enlisted in the Air Force.  Larry served as a Sargent in a Special Operations Unit in Vietnam.  Following his military service and graduating from Cleveland State, Larry began his coaching and teaching career.  After coaching at St. Adalbert’s (Blackhawks), St. Edward High School (Eagles), Cloverleaf Middle School (Colts), and teaching math at St. Luke’s and Cloverleaf, he retired in 2006.

Larry shared his love of skiing as a Ski Patroller for over 42 years and Ski Club Advisor.  He was awarded National Ski Patrol National Appointment and Outstanding Service as a member of the Ohio Region Board of Governors.

Achieving his lifelong dream, Larry became a Cuyahoga Valley National Park Ranger, after initially serving as a Trailblazer volunteer biking and patrolling on the Tow Path.  He became a Park Ranger as an instructor throughout the Park conducting education programs, working at the Boston Visitors Center; Canal Exploration Center and conducting Ranger CPR training.  He truly valued the friendships he shared with his fellow rangers and volunteers. 

He enjoyed trips to Colorado, Rocky Mountains and Brad Fitch John Denver Tribute concerts.  Spending days with Charlie, his beloved Golden Retriever, was his favorite thing.   His love of God, friends, family, his country and the outdoors were his lifelong passions.  Being the Hobo for the Polar Express was one of his Christmas joys.  A high point of his many volunteer positions was to be selected as an Olympic torch bearer and also an athlete driver volunteer at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

He is survived by his four siblings Ed (Laura), Kathy Bryda (Mike), Rita Clark (Luke) and Marie, (nephews) Joseph, Mathew, Jayson; (nieces) Maureen, Juliet, Gwen, (great nephew) Addax, (great niece) Adriana; his extended Patrol and CVNP families, countless beloved friends and family, and his “best friend” Charlie Boy, his Golden Retriever.

The family welcomes everyone to:

Visitation on Sunday October 23rd 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Chambers Funeral Home, 86 Adalbert St. Berea, Ohio.

Mass of Christian burial on Monday October 24th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Adalbert’s Church, 66 Adalbert St., Berea, Ohio 44017. Interment at St. Adalbert Cemetery followed by a luncheon at The Keller Center attached to the Church at 66 Adalbert St., in Berea, Ohio.

https://www.chambersfuneral.com/obituary/lawrence-f-larry-vasel