Larry E. Greer

Larry Eugene Greer Sr., 70, of Dover died Monday after suffering a heart attack in his home.

A son of the late Ralph and Stella Burchfield Greer, Larry was born Dec. 4, 1939, in Jewett, where he graduated from high school in 1957 before entering the Marines. Following his military service, Larry attended Rutgers University in New Jersey before gravitating to a career in banking, where he met with success with Peoples National Bank & Trust Co., (now Chase) in New Philadelphia and served for a time as a vice president.

On July 6, 1985, he married Edith Pogozelski, who survives.

During the '70s and '80s, Larry was very much involved in the community, serving as a board member for Self-Help Inc. and as a member of the New Philadelphia Board of Education. He was very active in the New Philadelphia Jaycees, representing the chapter on the state level.

Fascinated by the development of new technologies, he briefly left the Tuscarawas Valley, joining some endeavors, such as a hydroponic tomato farm, as an invested worker. He returned with his wife to Dover after a short stint in Michigan and after suffering his first heart attack.

In the '90s, he was a fixture in the automobile business in Dover-New Philadelphia, working in finance and sales for several companies. He also invested time in his musical talent, playing keyboards and entertaining folks at various venues. He was active at the Dover Elks Lodge and served as a Past Exalted Ruler.

A self-made pundit, Larry became an outspoken opponent of unchecked immigration and made his views on that and other issues known in numerous Readers' Viewpoints in The Times-Reporter and other newspapers. Recently, he joined the National Tea Party movement, attending rallies and helping the cause.

Above all, Larry enjoyed the time he and Edie traveled together to distant destinations aboard jetliners and cruise ships. He remembered fondly the trips that offered him a swim with dolphins and, of course, visits with his grandchildren.

Larry also had a penchant for genealogy and traced his family to its European roots. He also was able to locate lost relatives, who then would be given unconditional invitations to periodic family reunions at Tuscora Park.

In addition to his wife, Larry is survived by his son, Larry (Lori) Greer Jr. of Overland Park, Kan.; two sisters and a brother, Margie Vanchure of St. Clairsville, Dolores (Robert) James of Uhrichsville, and Ralph (Donna) Greer of Louisville; a sister-in-law, Dottie Greer of Palm Bay, Fla.; two grandchildren, Zachary and Joshua Greer of Overland Park, Kan.; many nieces and nephews; and Max, the Schnauzer.

Larry was preceded in death by first wife Kay Ayersman, sister, Carol Davenport and brother Donald Greer.

A celebration of Larry's life will take place on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 11:00 at Toland-Herzig Funeral Home in Dover with Rev. Robert James of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Dennison officiating. The Dover VFW will conduct a military service at the funeral home following the service. Following the service, there will be a reception held at the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday, April 21, 2010 from 5 to 8 and one hour before services on Thursday.


Those wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for Larry by visiting the obituaries link on the funeral home's website.

The family encourages donations on behalf of Larry be made to a favorite charity or political party. Larry encourages people to participate in the organ donation program as he has.

Toland-Herzig
Dover
www.tolandherzig.com
330-343-6132