Larry Strasser, of Bradenton Florida passed away on January 17, 2018 with his devoted wife, Nancy at his side. As Larry fought a long and courageous battle against cancer, the support and love of an uncountable number of friends (some close like brothers) was always present. Ed Danielson of Athens Ga. (Larry’s stepson) refers to Larry as his “God given Dad”, the Dad he never had. Born June 8, 1938 in Canton, Ohio Larry and his family moved to Bradenton in 1948. He graduated from Manatee High in 1957, playing football all four years. In 2017 the Alumni Association named Larry and his fellow football team members to the Roll of Honor for being Western Conference Champions 2 years and having an undefeated year in 1956 (Larry’s senior year). After attending college with a football scholarship, Larry for many years worked around the US as a draftsman. But when his father, brother and then mother died (all within two years) Bradenton became his permanent home where he took over operations of his family bar and grill. Later he expanded the business adding two more restaurant type businesses. As a founding member of Misty Creek Golf Club, Larry was an avid golfer. But his love for golf never interfered with his dedication to other organizations and fellowships within the community. Some of you may have known Larry as “the bear” (an affectionate nickname) given by friends and patrons because of his size and burly (on the outside) personality countered by his kind and gentle ways. It was because of that fondness his patrons voted for him to change the name of his bar and grill to “The Bear’s Den.”
To honor the uplifting life of Larry, friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service to be held at First Church of the Brethren on Fruitville at 2PM on Thursday, January 25, 2018. There’ll be a fellowship after the service. Larry has requested that anyone wishing to flowers donate to the Salvation Army instead.
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