Lawrence C. "Larry" Lynch Jr.

Lawrence C. (Larry) Lynch, Jr., 56, of Robert Street, Sheatown section of Newport Township, passed away, Friday morning, December 30, 2016, after a lengthy battle with Crohn's Disease.

Born April 12, 1960 in Nanticoke, he was the son of Larry E. and Florence E. (Baker) Lynch of Sheatown.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Peter and Margaret (Reh) Lynch and maternal grandparents Chester and Florence (Resavy) Baker. Besides his grandparents, he was preceded in death by numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.

He graduated from Nanticoke Area High School, Class of 1978, where he was an avid swimmer and captain of the swim team. He furthered his education at King's College and Luzerne County Community College.

Larry began his career with United Penn Bank and later with the VA Credit Union. He was promoted to a branch manager at the Vantage Trust Federal Credit Union, Nanticoke Branch, where he was employed for 30 years.

He was a member of St. Faustian Kowalska Parish and an active member at the former Holy Child Church, Sheatown, where he served as an alter boy for many years and taught CCD classes. Larry was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #03987 as a 3rd Degree Knight.

Larry was a naturally talented musician (always drumming). He played the drums, guitar and keyboard, as well as being a lead singer with several bands. He also shared his love and knowledge of music by teaching others.

He was an avid sports fan, devoted to the Eagles, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh Penguins, was a season ticket holder at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and he loved the Philadelphia Phillies. He also played ice hockey on the adult league, the Artic Wolves team. He taught his children and his nephews how to skate along with many of their friends. He was very involved and dedicated to the youth of Newport Township. Coaching little league baseball, biddy basketball and GNA youth soccer for many years. His other favorite pass time was fishing with his friend, aka brother, Bob Gorski.

Larry's greatest accomplishment in his life was the birth of his children Jordan Lawrence and Jillian Mary. He adored them from the moment he saw them and they were his reason for living. Sacrificing personal wants, comforts and dreams for the betterment of his family. He taught them how to be loving, respectful and caring adults. He always took time to listen when worries clouded their days. He was their biggest fan and was always at every practice and game as they participated in sports. Jordan playing football and Jillian cheerleading. He taught them never to give up and embrace their talents. Larry sacrificed personally so that they may experience lifelong enriching endeavors. His children surely have their dads traits in them and will treasure them dearly, while striving towards the examples he set. He wasn't just an ordinary father. He had great character and taught them selfless living. He was an extraordinary gift of what a father should be and they will treasure him in their hearts forever,

Larry will not only be remembered as a wonderful father but also as an amazing beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his son, Jordan Lynch and fiance, Nikki Lyons, Huntsville, AL; his daughter, Jillian Lynch, Ashley; his sister and best friend, Teresa Martin and husband, Larry, Sheatown; nephews Zachery Martin and wife Amanda, Plains; Mackenzie (Mack) Martin, Sheatown; who both lovingly called him "Uncle Boop;" nieces, Meaghan and Olivia Martin.Sheatown; cousin (sister) Ann Marie (Gavandula) Lacey, and her sons; Sheatown, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Sadly, Crohn's disease robbed Larry of many of his abilities. He was diagnosed at the age of 24, yet this cruel affliction was a powerless demon for his entire life as he fought against its grip on him. It haunted him always, but he humbly fought it in silence. Until 2012, it began to rear it's ugliness and steal this beautiful essence of this gentle man. With his family by his side, lead by his sister Teresa, he began this never ending battle. It was a nightmare of a journey. "You don't know how strong your are until being strong is the only choice you have!" At times he was in so much distress, he had to take life hour by hour, minute by minute. He had been in hospitals for almost five years and often in the most excruciating pain. It had gotten to the point and stage that he needed anything to take the pain away. There is a humiliation that comes with this disease, it's incredibly isolating and nobody wants to talk about its debilitating effects. Larry's last wish and discussion with Teresa was to please let everyone know that he fought the biggest fight of his life and was "Lynch" strong until the end. He wanted to raise awareness to this horrific disease, and be known as a fighter!

Funeral services will begin Wednesday at 10 a.m. from Davis-Dinelli Funeral Home, 170 E. Broad Street, Nanticoke, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at the main site of St. Faustina A. Kowalska Parish, 520 S. Hanover Street, Nanticoke.

Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Wanamie.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, National Processing Center, P.O. Box #1245, Albert Lea, MN, 56007-99.