Larry Joe Molinare

It is a fool’s errand to be given the duty of trying to capture in words the magic of the man that was known as Larry, Dad, Dude, Big Mo, and Pops.

To know our Dad was to immediately and forever love him. He lived life big and loved out loud. He embraced each day with arms wide open. He leaned in wholly to share his sheer joy and enthusiasm for those he loved. Our Dad’s love left no room for doubt—it was unconditional.

For Dad, family was always first; and friends were family. He best demonstrated his commitment and love by providing stability, safety, strength, and direction. Dad was an anchor and a compass. He was home and our constant guide when fumbling beyond the security of his grasp. His unfaltering love provided protection, courage, and faith to those of us lucky enough to have claims on his heart.

Dad was the best of all men. He was the example, and he set all standards. His abundant joy, irresistible charm, animated wit, limitless enthusiasm, infectious laughter, and sincere smile captivated any room he stood in. He lived to celebrate every moment. Dad expressed his affection through his quick, skilled humor. He never passed an opportunity to humble and laugh with (and often, at) each of us, including himself. The best moments were those with Dad doubled over or head thrown back in unabashed, boisterous laughter.

Dad didn’t whisper—you knew what he said, what he thought, and how he felt. There was no mystery to who or what he was. He was the firstborn son of Willard Lawrence Molinare and Georgia Ann Cleveland born in Monahans, Texas on November 10, 1949. He and his family, including his younger and infamously lovable but mischievous brother, Danny, moved to Midland, where they were raised.

Dad was a gifted athlete, but he didn’t rely on his natural abilities; he always worked to do and be better. For Dad, there was never an excuse to do anything half-heartedly. If you decided to do something, you dedicated your best efforts. During his years at Midland Lee High School, Dad played almost every football position—quarterback, offensive line (but not center), tight end, and linebacker. He loved everything about football, except for kickers. Dad was a three-year letterman, and he was the first Midland Lee Rebel football player to earn a full scholarship to a Division I university—Texas Tech University. He was later inducted into the Midland Hall of Legends.

At Texas Tech, Dad showcased his grit, commitment, skill, and perseverance. He was a starting linebacker for three seasons. He received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his talent and athletic accomplishments, including a nomination for the Kern Tipps Award, participation in the Coaches All-American Game, three-time honoree of the All-Southwest Conference, recipient of the Pete Cawthon Memorial Team Most Valuable Player Award, and member of the All-American Team, Second Team.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Dad relocated to Austin, Texas, where he started his family and lifelong career in real estate and the title insurance industry. He dedicated most of his career to Gracy Title Company, which he eventually owned and managed for several years. Because of Dad’s expertise and leadership, Gracy Title was known as Austin’s industry frontrunner. In 2002, he sold Gracy Title to Stewart Title Company, but continued guiding the company as Chairman of the Board and most recently, Executive Vice-President. Dad was a stalwart of integrity and expertise in the field. His professional contributions earned his colleagues’ esteem and the industry’s greatest accolades including President of the Texas Land Title Association; Title Person of the Year; and Honorary Member for Sustained Meritorious Service.

While he was stellar on the football field and in his profession, Dad’s greatest gifts were shared with his family. He was a caring son, a protective brother, a loyal and devoted husband, a thoughtful and providing father, and a doting and adoring grandfather. Dad spent 39 years married to his best friend and greatest love, Randy. He fully dedicated himself to his children: Shanna, Walker, and Amanda. He was the first to show up, and the last to leave for any event in which they were involved. He loved them through it all, including every triumph and the misstep. Dad’s voice was the first and loudest of praise and his hands were the quickest and strongest when needed to hoist and heal. But by far, his proudest achievements were his eight grandchildren: Lexie, Nevaeh, Emma, Jackson, Wyatt, Hayden, Ryan, and Maxwell. For Dad, the sun rose, and the moon descended with the gifts of these eight little loves. He saved his biggest, loudest, strongest (mega) love for the eight lucky ones that called him “Dude.”

Dad eagerly anticipated sharing his future with his remarkable fiancée, Lisa, who proved to him (and us) that true, abiding love can happen again.

On February 17, 2022, our hearts forever changed the moment Dad’s stopped. But we find solace knowing we carry his love and lessons within us. Dad is, as he always has been, forever a part of us. May we live bravely and fervently in his example. May the depth of our sorrow be a mere reflection of the blessing of his life. We are the luckiest—to have loved and been loved by the best of all men.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home located at 411 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway, Texas, 78734, on Friday, February 25, 2022 from 2:00-6:00pm. All are also encouraged to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Parlor & Yard, located at 601 West 6th Street, Austin, Texas, 78701 from 2:00-5:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The ALS Association in honor of Randy and Larry Molinare.

The family is deeply touched by and grateful for the tremendous love and support given to them over the past several days and throughout the years. While there are too many to thank specifically, please know that you are each treasured and held close to our hearts.