Obituary

Lawrence E. Sierra,

Sep 25, 1935 – Sep 3, 2024

Formally of West Seneca, NY. On September 3, 2024, the world dimmed as Lawrence Edward Sierra, 88, passed away after a long, fulfilling life. Larry was born on September 25, 1935 in Buffalo, NY and was preceded by his parents, Emilio and Clara Sierra. He brought an exuberant charm to each day; his care team gave him the nickname “Sweet Larry” attesting to his good-hearted nature. Larry’s love for his family knew no bounds. He married his soulmate, Margaret “Peggy” (O’Connell), and spent 63 years nurturing the deep bond they shared. He had three beautiful children who loved him dearly and were with him to his very last breath. His children, eight grandchildren, great-grandson and all of their spouses and partners knew him as Boppy, and each enjoyed his caring nature, easy laugh, and the glowing warmth of his welcoming embrace as they became part of his family. His love of family was all encompassing; immediate family, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews all felt the love he had. Boppy’s family will fondly remember his thirst for life and fun approach to everything. He had an innate charisma that lit a room when he entered. His mischievous nature endeared him to his grandkids and great-grandson. Immediately after seeing “the twinkle” in his eye, you’d notice three powdered donuts missing from the counter and hear quiet laughs in the other room as Boppy and his co-conspirators enjoyed their loot. His wildly-fast speed walking brought the family unending laughs, and he never met an ice cream shop he didn’t like. He was an avid sports fan, regardless if he was watching his Bills, Browns, and Bears on TV, or taking his family to college and pro games, or even watching his children and grandkids compete on their own. Visiting Boppy in Florida was always a fun-filled delight. Swimming and eating snacks at the pool, going to delicious restaurants, and begrudgingly allowing sand into the car after a visit to the beach-Boppy surrounded himself and his family with excitement and fun. Larry lived such a full life. Spending over four decades in the steel industry honed his people skills, and he dedicated over a decade of his life as a volunteer firefighter, culminating as the chief of a volunteer fire station. His strength and confidence radiated from him. He traveled across the country and globe to visit family, never missing the important events in their lives. But even with all the travel and busy schedule, his family and friends can fondly remember him sitting comfortably in his chair watching TV (or sleeping soundly taking a short nap). Larry’s large personality and his deep, abiding love brought light and color to everyone around him. While his internal light has departed, his gift of love continues to shine as a lasting warmth and comfort to his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ohio’s Hospice, Dayton Region in memory of Lawrence E. Sierra www.ohioshospice.org/give. Arrangements by Daniel J. Leonard Funeral Home