Larry Allen Juchnowski

Larry Allen Juchnowski, 75, of Plain City, Ohio (formerly of Strongsville, Ohio) passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 23, 1949, to the late Chester and Mary (Walaszek) Juchnowski, Larry and his beautiful wife, Marie, were residents of Strongsville for 36 cherished years with their wonderful friends and family, ultimately moving to Plain City to be closer to their beloved daughter, Brittany, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

In 1967, Larry graduated from St. John Cantius High School in the heart of the Ohio City neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduation, Larry was drafted and proudly served in the United States Army from 1969-1971 alongside his two older brothers, Dennis (Army) and Edward (Navy). He completed basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and specialized in marksmanship and ballistics. He was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. Afterward, Larry enjoyed a successful 50-year career in sales, spending 25 years at TRW and 25 years at Caterpillar in Cleveland. He retired at the age of 66 in October 2015 with his wife and they enjoyed a surprise trip to New York City.

Larry married the love of his life on September 7, 1974, at St. Martin of Tours Church in Maple Heights, Ohio. They spent nearly 50 loving years together as husband and wife. Larry and Marie had one daughter, Brittany Ann, who he loved dearly. He was an extraordinarily devoted husband and loving father, who spent his free time with his family. Brittany remembers the sound of her father’s footsteps when he would come home from work and cherishes their “run-jumps” running at full-speed down the hallway and into his arms every night. Larry looked forward to our yearly vacation with his younger sister, Susan, and her family to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, spending time deep-sea fishing, jet skiing, and swimming.

Larry enjoyed his childhood and often shared stories about growing up on West 12th Street with his large Polish family and vividly remembered enjoying music from the 1940s with his parents during family dinners. He loved riding his bike all over town and fishing with his best friends, and driving fast cars (to his mother’s dismay). When Brittany was a child, he taught her how to fish and how to ride her bike, and he shared his love of music with her. He told her to fly and supported her dreams endlessly. He always found joy in music and even as Alzheimer’s disease progressed, Larry recalled the words of his favorite artists and could still catch the beat of Elvis, Ricky Nelson, Patsy Cline, and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland amongst many more. Larry danced with his daughter during her wedding to “Always” by Patsy Cline and would sing the song to her whenever he saw her until the end.

Larry loved nature and spent many Sunday mornings hiking the Emerald Necklace through Brecksville looking for birds and other wildlife with his older brother, Edward. He enjoyed being active, whether it was gardening, biking, or going for walks with his dogs, Charlie and Milo. He had a love for cooking and dancing, especially to polka music. However, no greater joy came than spending time with his adored grandchildren, Hudson and Emery. They spent the days building forts, going on trips to the library and playground, and stopping regularly for ice cream. When his grandchildren were born, Larry felt blessed and happy. Hudson and Emery helped their grandfather with daily tasks, made him cards, and always greeted him with a huge hug when they saw him. They called him “Grampski,” as a nod to his Polish descent.

Larry was the most loving person anyone could have in their life. He was caring and often said to treat people the way you want to be treated. He was a loyal and devoted family member and friend who would do anything for others. He was a strong fighter who never gave up. Larry was a wonderful husband, caring father, and devoted grandfather.

Larry’s memory will be carried on by his loving wife, Marie; daughter, Brittany (Christopher) Hammond; two grandchildren Hudson (7) and Emery (5); and his in-law, Brenda Hammond (and late Walter). He will be deeply missed by his three siblings, brother Dennis (Stella) Juchnowski, and their children Michael (Kristi) and Jennifer (Chris); brother Edward (Bernie) Juchnowski, and their daughter Lisa (Wade); and sister Susan (Wayne) Mitchell and their children Lesley (Matt) and Brian; and his sisters-in-law Donna (Ronald) Novak, and their children Debbie and Ronald (Robyn), and Loretta (and late Ronald) Jagoda, and their children Jennifer (Mike) and Lisa (Raymond). Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Mary, and brother, Daniel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 16271 Pearl Road, Strongsville, Ohio 44136 with burial to follow at 2:15 p.m. at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, OH 44273.