Larry F. Fuller, 82, of Lake City, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family.
He was the eldest child of seven parented by Aletha M. (Haas)Fuller and Lloyd E. Fuller. He was born in Erie, PA on May 12, 1940. He graduated from the Rice Avenue Union High School in 1958, where he was a varsity letterman on the football team and sang in the chorus.
Larry enlisted in the Army where he served his country for eight years; served tours in Kentucky and Virginia; and deployed as Staff Sergeant to Korea and France with the 84th Transportation Company. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Clasp with two loops and the expert Rifle Badge.While in France, Larry met and married his wife, Sandy. Their nearly 60 year marriage brought much happiness and joy into each other's lives.
Following the military service Larry made his residence in California where he embarked on a career of pipe fitting beginning with a 4-year apprenticeship at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard where he excelled. Larry attained a 96.4 average for the program, the highest grade point average since WWII. Larry's advancement during his 34+ years with the US Government ranged from pipe fitting on Naval Ships to eventually becoming a foreman/supervisor at Camp Pendleton, CA and subsequently for Naval Weapons Base operations in Norco, CA from which he retired. Larry worked on many types of Naval ships including a special project on the Queen Mary.
Larry and his wife, Sandy enjoyed camping, RVing, and golf were among their favorite activities. All 50 United States were visited via land, air, and sea. Travel to other countries included Canada, Holland, Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Caribbean Islands, Costa Rica, Panama, and others.
Larry was an enthusiastic fan of many sports including football, basketball, golf, tennis, ice hockey, and baseball. He sided with both parents with his interest and support of both the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Larry was a talented "fix-it" man and could often be seen repairing items for the neighborhood children after retiring to Lake City, PA. Larry took great pride and care of his yard and home. He was fortunate to be able to spend many years of retirement living in the home of his childhood. His parents originally purchased the home in 1945.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two nephews, Robert Fuller and Michael Linder.
He will be greatly missed by his family, which include his wife, Sandy, of 57 years; brothers, James Fuller (Becky) and Dana Fuller; sisters, Kathryn Bible, Marilyn Fuller-Smith (Peter), Elaine Hemstreet (Alan), and Rosemarie Werling (Charles); many special nieces and nephews, some who assisted with Larry's care.
Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 4PM and 6 to 8PM at Edder Funeral Home Inc., 309 Main St. East, Girard and attend services there on Monday at 10AM.
Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the AHN Cancer Institute, 2508 Myrtle St., Erie, PA 16502 or to Families of the Wounded Fund Inc., PO Box 5327, Midlothian, VA 23112-0023
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Families of the Wounded Fund, Inc.
PO Box 5327, Midlothian VA 23112-0023
AHN Cancer Institute
2508 Myrtle St., Erie PA 16502