Lawrence D. Szutenbach

1946 - 2021

Captain Lawrence Dominic Szutenbach USN, Retired, 74, passed away peacefully January 22, 2021, with his daughter Tina Szutenbach at his bedside. Capt. Lawrence Szutenbach was a decorated Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam War and spent 25 years in the United States Navy as an active duty officer.

Lawrence Dominic Szutenbach was born on July 2, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois to his parents Francis Joseph and Ida Mary Szutenbach. He was active in football and wrestling in high school. When he was just 17, Larry decided he wanted to join the Navy. He applied and was accepted to the NROTC of Auburn University. He received a wrestling scholarship as well to Auburn. After completing his education in Civil Engineering, Larry served in the United States Naval Construction Force, better known as the Navy Seabees. He was an asset to constructing and maintaining American Military bases around the globe. He was first stationed in Alabama. Larry would go on to serve in the Vietnam War with some of his closest colleagues. Prior to leaving for Vietnam, he married his first wife Sheila in 1967, who is the mother of his 4 children. He married his second wife and soulmate Gloria Jean in 1997.

Larry would continue his Military career stationed around the world and the United States including Hawaii, California, Florida, Virginia, and Spain. He served deployments in Okinawa, Japan, and Guam. He served and worked with people like General Colin Powell while he was active duty at the Pentagon.

Larry's Military Commendations include: National Defense Service Medal(2), Navy "E" Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Commendation Medal W/'V', Meritorious Service Medal (2), Joint Meritorious Service Medal (2), Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal, Navy Expert Rifle Medal, SEABEE Combat Warfare Specialist Insignia, Office of the Secretary of Defense Badge, Legion of Merit, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM) awarded only under the most unusual circumstances as an impact award for outstanding TDY achievement.

Amongst his most notable Military achievements, Larry was the chief engineer for the inception of worldwide combat and non-combat American Military pop-up field hospitals, for which his template is still used by the Military today. Larry proudly regarded these temporary hospitals, installed within a matter of hours, his greatest engineering achievement, as these hospitals allow for vastly-increased life-saving front line emergency care.

After retirement, Larry served the government in the Joint services as a contractor. He was at the Pentagon along with his wife Gloria Jean on September 11, 2001. He was also an integral member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (contracted as a civilian) while at the Pentagon.

Larry was known for his great wit and articulate canvass both at work and at home. Larry loved to travel around the world with his wife Gloria Jean. They traveled to notable places like Venice, Austria, and Rome. When Larry wasn't working, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend who had a passion for boating, building, chess, and reading. He also had a passion for writing. He wrote for pleasure and created stories like "The Cat and the Candle" , " A Choice of Dreams", and " Please Leave Me Alone (So I won't be so lonely)." His great wit and realism will always be remembered with stories shared by his family, friends, and colleagues.

Larry was predeceased by Gloria Jean Szutenbach (wife), Vivian Rosini (sister), Francis Joseph and Ida Mary Szutenbach (parents), and Frank Szutenbach (brother). He is survived by daughters Angela Sheaffer, Tina Szutenbach, Jacqueline Szutenbach-Gallo, son Ian Szutenbach, sisters-in-law Dolores and Sheila, sisters Betty, Rita, Virginia, Doreen, and Becky and brother Steven and their spouses/families. He is also survived by his son-in-law Shane (husband of Angela) and their children Matthew with wife Maj. Leah (Army), Rachael, and Lt. Noel Sheaffer (Space Force). Daughter Jackie's children Staff Sgt.Christopher Szutenbach-Gallo (Air Force) with wife Kayla, Kara, Joseph, and Jonathan. Grandson Joseph's son Jayce. Dear friends Debbie and Dudley Berthold, Kenneth and Cindy Lewis.

His wake/viewing will be at Oman Funeral Home and will be for family and special friends. Arrangements are being made for his burial in Arlington National Cemetery. The date is to be determined.

The Szutenbach family wishes to extend our tremendous gratitude to everyone who cared for Larry. He enjoyed every one on his care team. His CNA's, nurses, physical therapists, occupational and speech therapists, the dining team, administration, and even the people in housekeeping services of Harmony at Oakbrooke. He truly loved residing there. To the Chesapeake Regional Medical Center for their loving care from the ER to the ICU and every unit who cared for him. A special thank you to the Palliative Care team as well for their special attention to not only Larry but his family.

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be sent to Auburn University Foundation at auburngiving.org to: Auburn University Foundation, 317 South College St., Auburn, Alabama 36849 (334) 844-1445 to be used for the NROTC scholarship. Please note Lawrence Szutenbach and NROTC scholarship as the person you are honoring. Condolences may be offered at www.omanfh.com.