Lawrence Lioy

LIOY, Lawrence Charles

Lawrence Charles Lioy, beloved father, papa, brother, uncle, and friend, died at home in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 26, 2025, after meeting illness with bravery, grit, and unwavering determination. He was 76.

Larry was truly a unique character, whose adventures are too numerous to detail. He was passionate about everything he did and didn't know the meaning of quit. He was a loving family man and a loyal friend.

Born in Rochester, NY, Larry grew up surrounded by a large extended family before leaving for college and eventually making his home in Atlanta. Though he built a life and career there, family always remained at the center of his world. He created and organized the annual family picnic in Rochester-the highlight of his calendar– and hosted epic Thanksgiving dinners, where everyone was welcome.

Becoming "Papa" to his grandchildren: Lillian, Émile, Mac, and Benjamin was one of the greatest joys of his life.

Larry was an accomplished athlete at John Marshall High School, where he lettered in wrestling, cross country, soccer, lacrosse, and baseball. He was named an All-City wrestler his junior and senior years. He graduated from Marshall in 1967 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in business from Indiana State University in 1971.

A successful real estate developer with retail and commercial properties in Atlanta and Marietta, Larry is remembered with love by his three children: Michael, Maria (Antoine), and Eric (Alexandra); four grandchildren; his sister, Lauren Spiker (Doug); and his brother, Michael (Karen). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his mother, Lillian; father, Michael; and niece, Melissa Sengbusch.

Larry loved to travel, host gatherings, and stay deeply connected to the communities he cherished. A proud member of the Atlanta Track Club for more than 20 years, he competed in two cross-country national championships and completed the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim with his running group and children many times. For Larry, running was never just about competition - it was about friendship, generosity, and showing up for others.

He was a cornerstone of the Atlanta yoga community beginning in the 1970s, and for more than 20 years he made regular visits to the Sivananda Ashram in the Bahamas. Even after his diagnosis, he continued to practice yoga with dedication, embodying the resilience and presence it gave him.

Friends and family alike remember his incredible energy and constant motion. He always had a project going, and he loved finding excuses to include others in his plans. His home was truly an open door; a place where friends became family, young people found help getting started, and everyone was welcomed at his table. Much as his mother, Lillian, before him, he believed no one should leave his home hungry.

Larry's warmth was matched by his quirks. He had an almost supernatural ability to guess the ages of both dogs and babies. He was known as the "cool uncle." What mattered most were people, not things. The faces in the photos on his famously uneven picture wall meant more to him than whether they hung straight.

Beneath his grit and determination was also a soft heart. He was often sentimental, and quick to tears when it came to those he loved, especially his late niece, Melissa.

A celebration of Larry's life will be held next Spring, in the home that was his temple, his refuge, and a joyful gathering place for family, friends, runners, yogis, and all who were welcomed through his door.