Lawrence E. "Larry" Stein

Lawrence E. ‘Larry” Stein, 66, of New Kensington, died Saturday, April 17, 2021. Larry was born August 22, 1954, in New Kensington to Robert W. and Aureola (Ernette) Stein.

Larry graduated from Valley High School in 1973. As a youth, he loved lifting weights. In fact, he lost half of a finger in a weightlifting accident, He was proud of his ability to benchpress 365 pounds, more than double his weight of 165. Larry grew to love wrestling and later shared that passion with three of his sons. He attended college in Kansas, for a semester, but he had already discovered his life’s work: home remodeling. His creativity can be seen in homes throughout  the Valley. But while Larry lost part of a finger in weightlifting, he nearly lost his life when he was almost electrocuted on the job but he battled back to health and carried on. Larry joined the Resurrections Choir at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. His deep bass voice anchored many a hymn. And where his older boys were wrestlers, his fourth son and daughter joined the church choir. Larry was proud of his children’s accomplishments, including his daughter Holly’s swimming achievements. He was a fixture in the community. Whether you needed help with delivering food at the food bank or decorating the church for Christmas, he was there. Just standing outside his house and listening to the cars beeping hello to him is all you need to know about this unique, big-hearted individual.

Survivors include his wife and devoted companion Mary (Shean), three sons, William (Chrissy) of Brookville, Lee (Dustie) of Penn Hills and Aaron of Verona; and a daughter, Holly, of New Kensington, four grandchildren, Luma, Otto, Abraham and Penny; and a valued friend, Joe Turner. He is survived by brothers Robert (Ewa) of Poland and Mark (Ardis) of Mingle Junction and sisters Aureola (Wayne) of Barnesville Ohio and Diane (Thomas) of Lower Burrell.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his dear son Erik, whose passing was perhaps his greatest regret, and his sister Karen Motosicky.

Viewing will be Tuesday, April 20, 2021 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM in the Ross G. Walker Funeral Home Ltd., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington where prayers of transfer will be held at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, April 21, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 AM in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 1125 Leishman Ave, New Kensington. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Lower Burrell.

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