Larry Kenneth Mowers, a beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather, was born in Oneonta, New York, on November 22, 1946. His parents were Kenneth Mowers and Bernice (Shout) (Mowers) Male, and his step-father, Donald Male. Larry passed away in hospice surrounded by loved ones after battling diabetes for years, and the sudden aggressive onset of pancreatic cancer and kidney failure. He was a man of many passions, including his family, his work, and his love for the outdoors.

The last thing Larry would have wanted is an obituary stating his accomplishments. Although we will mention some, his family hopes that this notice of his passing will capture his essence in a way that you all knew him and in a way that he would want to be remembered.

Larry's mischievous nature was a defining part of his character from a young age. His mother's stories of jars of spiders with loose lids under her pillow or snakes slithering out from under the sofa between her legs, all thanks to Larry's playful antics, never failed to bring a smile to our faces. No one ever questioned why he was an only child! His bright blue eyes sparkled with a light that enchanted all who met him. His kindness is mentioned by all who knew him. He made friends wherever he went. He could strike up a conversation while waiting in line at the grocery store, pumping gas, or walking down Corporation Beach. Years of spending time with the Corporation Beach Round-up Crew developed lifelong friendships that we like to think started with Larry's ability to talk to everyone. It is plausible that most of the breakfast restaurants on Cape Cod knew Larry by name and that Peterson's Market will miss his smile and his special order of the extra, extra, extra spicy double smash burger.

Larry's love for his family was unwavering. His friends and family in upstate New York have many stories about Larry, and we hope you will continue to share them with us. He grew up in Oneonta, graduating in 1964 from Oneonta High School. He then attended SUNY Oneonta. He was considered a "townie" and had a reputation as an amazing athlete…as well as a "Casanova." He met his match when he met Joanie… Although his baby blues were innocently guilty at all times, his heart was taken, and he devoted himself to his wife and children. He married Joan Elizabeth Wemple on June 20, 1970, and they raised their family in Broadalbin, NY. Larry was an incredible father; he would get home from work and start playing kickball with us in the backyard. He attended every school event he could physically get to, and he loved bragging about his children's accomplishments, rarely mentioning his own. He was always more concerned about everyone else's happiness than his own. Even during his last days, he wanted to make sure that Joanie was okay and would be looked after. His children reassured him that she was in safe hands, and he would sigh and look at peace.

Larry spent his life helping others. He was a New York State social worker who later became a Probation Officer and ended his career as a Parole Officer. His job was difficult at times, but he took great pride in making a difference in people's lives. His badge really meant something to him.

He was a fantastic summer baseball coach; all the kids loved him. He would bring home a colossal pizza every Friday night, and the entire neighborhood would stop over. He also loved fishing. His collection of fishing equipment would make a professional angler jealous!

Our summers in New York or on Cape Cod were not complete without our fishing trips. The trip where Kevin got his head stuck in the Bass River Bridge is one of his favorite stories to tell. Or the time Kelly was feeding the fish from the back of the boat so that no one in the front could catch the fish. Many will remember that he was an avid bowler and loved spending time in the alley with his league. He proudly bought the pinkest bowling ball and bag ever created for Kerry, and told his grandchildren many stories about how proud he was of her. During his retirement on Cape Cod, he made many friends by playing bridge at the Senior Center every week. Many have reached out and expressed how sad they are to hear that he has left us so suddenly.

Although the doctor called Kevin "untethered" because he wanted to break Larry out of the hospital and wheel him in his hospital bed to the nearest Irish Pub (because this was one of Larry's last wishes)…it has created an everlasting image we love to envision and wish to share with you: Larry laughing in his rolling bed, his arms outstretched to the sun, the ocean breeze on his face, proudly wearing only his Irish Scally cap and his hospital gown, his blue eyes twinkling, while telling us to run faster before anyone realized he had escaped.

… Ahhh…that beautiful smile of one last adventure and the anticipation of a nice cold

pint.

Cheers Dad. Let's all raise a pint to Larry. We miss you already. We will miss you always.

Larry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan Wemple Mowers. He is also survived by his daughter, Kelly, his son, Kevin, and his younger daughter, Kerry and her husband, Tim. His grandchildren, Vassilis, Arianna, Piper, and Barrett, will greatly miss him. His half-brother, Kenneth (Kenny), many cousins, and old friends have expressed sadness at his passing. The beloved pets who had passed away before him will have gone running to greet him when he arrived. And the three kitties left behind still look for him every day.

In July, we will be hosting a celebration of life event to honor Larry's memory. If you have stories to share and would like to raise a pint to Larry, please reach out for details.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice in Larry's memory. You could also pay it forward with acts of kindness, as Larry loved doing on a daily basis. Thank you to everyone who shared a special place in Larry's life.