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1945 – 2012
Larry Starr died Saturday night October 13, 2012, at the San Diego Hospice. He had undergone treatment at Scripps for cancer since his diagnosis two years ago. Larry was born to Forrest Fred Starr and Rose Inez (Lewis) Starr June 16, 1945, in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from Cupertino High School in June 1963. He served in the U.S. Marines 1965-1967. He retired from UCSD on June 30, 2005, after 30 years employment.
Larry lived in La Jolla, CA, for 30 years where he had many close friends and associates and was well known in the community of La Jolla. During his lifetime, Larry was known to enjoy a good time with friends dispensing wit and knowledge from the many books and films he enjoyed reading and watching. Even during his time of illness, many in the community came together to help him get transported from treatment centers and to help with moral support. Their work and efforts are greatly appreciated by his family.
Larry is survived by his sister, Sharlan Starr. His parents predeceased him. His marriage to Charlene Chuck Walrad ended in divorce.
He donated two corneas to the Eye Bank and his trumpet to the music school at UCSD. He leaves many happy memories to his friends in La Jolla, a place he loved to call his home.
A memorial will be held at The Spot on October 24, 2012, 2 pm–6 pm and a burial of his ashes will take place at a later date at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by anonymous.
Larry I hope you are entertaining the heavens with your great stories and wisdoms. The Spot has never been the same. Eternal Life!
Renate von der Beeck
Friend
October 18, 2019
I loved Larry!
Whenever I was restless and decided I wanted company, I would head for La V, Alfonso's, or The Spot to find Larry. He was always warm and welcoming; made me feel that he was glad I came.
On those occasions when it was just the two of us, he would weave his stories, describing some place or person he had observed. Observed as only Larry could. I begged him to put these stories to paper because I believe he rivaled such pieces as O Henry's short stories, or Stienbeck's vignettes. His stories breathed vibrant life into the scenes he portrayed, and joyfully piqued our imaginations.
Larry had the soul of a poet, and the heart of Love personified.
Some men are too gentle to walk among wolves. Larry was one! I hope he is happy and contented in his pain free walks today. I miss him deeply, and I love him still.
Norma Thorsen
March 18, 2013
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Isabel Valdivia
December 17, 2012
Larry; we miss you! I will never forget the one and only dance you and I shared to the music of Show & Tell at Putnam's on New Year's eve long ago. You were such a gentleman and an old and wise soul! I truly miss seeing you but look forward to a "wiedersehen"!
Renate
Renate von der Beeck
November 19, 2012
I'll remember Larry's dry sense of humor and sharp wit. I'll miss seeing him at the Spot during the week and La V on the weekends. Cheers, Jennifer Laurie
Jennifer Laurie
November 19, 2012
Larry was one of the first people we met when we moved to La Jolla 7 years ago. Each time we hung out at the spot or the whaling bar we had more in depth conversations about anything and everything. What a wealth of knowledge & interest. We are better people for knowing him and although he will be missed, he will never be forgotten. Thanks Larry for your service to our country & for taking the time to get to know us. See you on the other side.
Joe Koors & Penny Shipley
Joe & Penny Koors/Shipley
November 19, 2012
The place will never be the same.
Las Vegas Bill
November 18, 2012
I'll miss seeing you at the Spot when I come in and your dry wit and smile, friendly handshake, with a beer in free hand.
Paul Anderson
paul anderson
November 17, 2012
I never heard Larry utter a bad word about anyone, one of the most likable people I have ever know. He will be missed by all that knew him. One great guy
Gwen Siegel
November 17, 2012
I met Larry one day when I happened to pick a stool next to him at the Whaling Bar, so many years ago. After a few minutes of conversation I thought to myself, “Oh oh, maybe I should sit over there” but soon I warmed to his strange, quirky, and gentle personality.
Over the years it was always a treat to engage with him, as he was a great storyteller. He had me laughing and in tears several times with his stories from work at UCSD. He was well read and turned me on to several books I enjoyed. He also never let me forget that I should “NEVER have sold that '32 Ford 5-window coupe.” But Larry, that was a hundred years ago, I was nineteen! “Doesn't matter! Arrrrgg!”
Toward the end, it warmed my heart to see Larry come into The Spot where he had a few drinks and at 6 PM, when Mario the bartender got off – Dear sweet Mario - would take his friend, our friend, home for the night.
“I'll see you tomorrow,” I would imagine Mario said.
And so Larry, I say, with glass held high – “I'll see you tomorrow.”
God bless,
Bruce K.
October 27, 2012
Many years ago I was working at Alfonso's and Larry was a regular. I always enjoyed Larry's take on things and his dry wit. He was a gentle man who was a pleasure to know.. I am sorry that the announcement for his memorial that was to take place on the 24th came out in the La Jolla Light on the 25th, sorry to have missed it.
Bill Matthews
October 26, 2012
I knew Larry for the last 15 years and always enjoyed our conversatons at The Spot, or La Valencia. We had a common interest in music and would spend time pondering the harmonic complexities of songs like Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life". I always found him in an amusing mood with tales of his "bizzare" work life at UCSD. I'll never forget the night he broke his ankle while attempting to exit Alfonso's. I watched him head toward the door only to miss it by about two feet. Like a good Marine, he showed no signs of pain. By the time the medecs showed up and had him loaded on the gurney, word had traveled all over Prospect we had a "man down!" I was amazed how many people came from all the local establishments to show their concern for one of their friends (and steady customer!). Larry was there being loaded into the ambulance, calmly waving to us all, "it's only a scratch".
I'll miss ya Uncle Larry...Arrgh!
Mark Lasher
October 25, 2012
You could set your watch by Larry entering one of his favorite places on Prospect St. daily. He became one of my favorite people in spite of our different feelings and discussions concerning the La Jolla seals. He will be missed by me and his many friends. Peace, my friend.
Mary Squazzo
October 24, 2012
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