Larry Ronald Starbird

Mr. Larry Ronald Starbird is beloved by many. He was a devoted son, father, grandfather (Papa), brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend. He will be remembered as a remarkable person.

He was born in Olongapo, Philippines, on January 6, 1967, on Subic Bay Naval Base, and was a wonderful and devoted son to his parents, Belle (Yani) E. Wood and Richard L. Starbird. He was later able to share the same devotion as a stepson to Roy (Kahoy) J. Wood, and Wanda L. Starbird. He was a loyal brother to Teresa (Menchie) Barr, Karen Otter, Amy Starbird, and (although lost at an early age) Rolando Alfonso. Additionally, he was also an exceptional brother-in-law to Daniel (Paul) Pursch, Marvin Alejo, Aarron Bar, and Nathan (Nate) Otter.

He lived a full and wonderful life, living in several places, having many jobs, and making many friends. His passion for adventure allowed him to garner countless memories and stories to share with everyone he met.

As a military kid, Larry spent much of his childhood moving around with his family. For Elementary School he attended Sewell's Point in Virginia and Leif Erickson in San Diego, then back to the Philippines, where he attended two DoD schools; Binictican (elementary), and George Dewy (middle). After that, he spent some time living in Jacksonville, Florida, with his older sister Menchie, until he moved back to San Diego to attend Hale Jr. High and Twain High, with his sister Karen, and was able to work as a dishwasher in Pacific Beach. After that, he went to Hawaii with his mother and stepfather to finish high school at Waipahu High. Throughout his youth he was always popular and well loved, often being known as the class clown.

In Hawaii, he enjoyed the beach and immersed himself in fun activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. He enjoyed odd jobs, including selling knives at the famous Aloha Swap Meet. By 1988 he married his former wife Rebecca Lapasa, in Honolulu. Rebecca and Larry met at Milanos Pizza where they had worked together for a few years. Shortly after getting married, he enlisted in the United States Navy to become a Corpsman. In 1989, Larry had his first child, Richard Lewis Starbird, followed by his daughter Stephanie Mae Starbird in 1991.

As a Corpsman, he participated in the Liberation of Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. He was also able to help many people while working as a corpsman at Balboa Hospital in San Diego, where he proceeded to challenge the board to become a nurse. After his time in the Navy, he worked as a Merchant Marine in Honolulu and then as a welder at NASSCO back in San Diego. He went on to medically retire from the Navy and spent the rest of his days back in one of his favorite home towns, San Diego, California.

His time in San Diego with his family was filled with endless joy. He spent much of his time being a caring and loyal son, accompanying his parents, Yani and Kahoy (who were, at this point, ordained pastors), to countless hours of fellowship and worship. He fully accepted Jesus into his life and became a born-again Christian, being baptized along with his entire family at Tideland Park Beach in Coronado during the early 2000's. Throughout the years he continued to attend Christian church with his kids and grandkids. (Notably he was also baptized in the Catholic Church as a baby in the Philippines and had a good deal of Roman Catholic influence.)

Larry was the ultimate family man with an enormous heart of endless compassion. One of his greatest achievements in life was being a spectacular father. He was adored by his children as he showered them with love and devotion. He did everything in his power to create unforgettable memories for his kids; spending careful time playing board games, camping, watching movies, fellowshipping, watching them hang out with their cousins, as well as taking trips to theme parks, the movie theater, Wunderland/arcades, pet shops, parks, Blockbuster, and so much more. Larry wanted nothing more than to cherish and capture every moment with family; because of this, he was known to film and document so much of his life with his loved ones. Though quiet, he was well known for his unparalleled sense of humor, pranks, jokes, and stories.

During the latter years of his life, Larry was able to once again enjoy being surrounded by the love of his children, his six grandchildren: Ariana Malaya Belle Diaz, Malaya Lani Diaz, Jaxson Noah Starbird, Caius Matthew Geronilla, Alani Moira Geronilla, and lastly Cillian Makaio Geronilla. He also gained a new son, his son-in-law Adrian Martin Diaz. The impact of his growing family left a huge and extraordinary mark on his life, as he was able to delight once again in all the things that brought him so much joy.

Larry lived to serve others. His own struggles in life never mattered more to him than helping his loved ones. He was an amazing cook. He had an impeccable taste in music and movies. He had an incredible memory. He was well read and intelligent, not only in the medical field but in history, literature, pop culture, and most every subject imaginable. He was tech-savvy and extremely competent. He did his best to stay healthy and active. He was also very proud of his Filipino heritage. His nurturing demeanor for others also carried onto his beloved pets; fish, cat, dogs, birds, etc. The love in his heart was overflowing.

On October 10, 2024, Larry passed away peacefully in his home in San Diego, California, leaving behind his two children and six grandchildren.

Larry truly was one of a kind. Every moment he was able to spend with family was precious to him. He was generous and always gave selflessly, expecting nothing in return. He treated others with respect. His gifts were always thoughtful, and he helped everyone he could. Larry was a hard worker who took pride in all that he did. He lived humbly and forgave often. His role as a family man will never be forgotten. We can all learn so much from Mr. Larry Ronald Starbird.