LARRY RELYEA
Larry S. Relyea, 55, of Norwich, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Thursday, October 8, 2015.
On December 24, 1959, in Canastota, NY, Larry was born to Edward and Donna (Weismore) Relyea. Larry was a 1977 graduate from high school, then completed an associate’s degree at Morrisville State College Norwich Campus, Norwich, NY. On June 18, 1989, in South Plymouth, Larry married Debra (Curley) Relyea, who survives.
At the age of 18, Larry joined the United States Army and helped to guard our nation for many years. He entered active duty in 1977 and served until 1988, then re-enlisted in 2002 and served 2011. He was medically discharged due to health problems. Larry was also one of the first responders to report to the World Trade Center during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. He spent 40 days in New York City at Ground Zero. He also worked for many years in the medical field as a radiologist at various hospitals, including Chenango Memorial, Walton, and Cooperstown. Larry was also employed at the Oneonta Job Corps Academy, and served as a recruiter, counselor, and mentor to many.
Larry was always more than willing to give the shirt off his back to anyone that needed it. He and Debbie also opened their home to many different people that were in homeless situations, to try and help them get on their feet. Other than trying to be there for everyone, Larry, “Poppy,” loved his coffee and cigarettes. As long as his family was taken care of, and he had his cup of coffee, he was set. Nothing else mattered to him.
In addition to his wife, Larry is survived by many, many people. His children: LaDonna “Lady” Falde, Langdon, ND; Scott Skjerva, New Rockford, ND; Jay Relyea and his spouse, Melissa Stafford, Norwich, NY; Mary Button, Norwich, NY; Jean-Luc Button, Norwich, NY; Paulina “Beana” Relyea; and Pearisha “Reese” Stafford, Norwich, NY. His Grandchildren: Sierra “Toad” Taylor and her fiancé, Christopher Johnson Sr., Norwich, NY; Cassandra “Weasel” (Taylor) Schoener and her husband Christopher Schoener, Savannah, GA; Nathan “Luke” Taylor and his fiancé, Brianna Devens, Schenectady, NY; Olivia “HoneyButt” Taylor, Norwich NY; Teresa “Rooster” Relyea, Norwich, NY; Jocey “Princess” Falde, Langdon, ND; and Glenn Skjerva, New Rockford, ND. His great grandchildren, Isaiah “Kwalla” Parker, Norwich, NY; Christopher Johnson Jr., (CJ), Norwich, NY; Christiana and Cataleya “Cattail” Schoener, Savannah, GA. His extended family were loved as though they were his own, including sister-in-Law Elizabeth Cheseboro, Kelly Crandall and spouse Anthony Smith, Anthony Stroman, Michael Parker and Joseph Schneider, along with an endless list of others. Poppy had a huge heart, he loved everyone. He is also survived by Edward, Donna, Susan, Stephanie, Sandra, Zachary, Edward Jr, Kevin, Donald, and their families. Larry was predeceased by two daughters, Teresa Taylor, in 2004, and Kristen “Daddys Quay” Crandall, in 2013.
Larry absolutely adored kids. Not only was he a devoted husband and father, but he was a man of his word. He loved to help others in any way that he could. He always opened his arms and doors to anyone in need, and enjoyed every second of it. Larry was determined to make a difference in this world, and his family feels that he did that. Larry impacted every life he touched and that he became a part of.
A memorial service for Larry will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 13, 2015, at the Wilson Funeral Home where Rev. Jeremy Stopford will officiate. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.