Larry Allen Gordon

Larry Allen Gordon, born on October 30, 1938, in St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois. Larry's journey through life was marked by resilience, adventure, and a spirited independence that defined his character.
Born to Lila and Howard Gordon, Larry was adopted at a young age and spent his early childhood on a farm near Greentop, Missouri. Despite his rural beginnings, Larry's life soon became a whirlwind of change. From attending a one-room schoolhouse to traveling the country with his parents and grandmother May, Larry experienced the nomadic lifestyle of a salesman's son, often being the "new kid" in school but relishing the opportunity to reinvent himself in each new town.
In 1956, he married his 1st wife Phyllis and later welcomed two loving daughters, Lisa and Lynn. Larry's journey continued into adulthood where he pursued education at Devry in Chicago, focusing on electronics, a path that led him to work at Xerox and later Bell and Howell. A free spirit at heart, Larry found himself drawn to entrepreneurship, notably founding a bicycle rental business in downtown Chicago. This venture not only showcased his ingenuity but also garnered him local fame and media attention.
In 1972, Larry's life took a new turn when he met his 2nd wife Barbara, while running his bike business. Their adventurous spirit led them on a road trip across the U.S. and eventually to Europe, where they immersed themselves in the culture and spirit of the continent. In 1978 and 1981, respectively, Larry and Barbara welcomed their children Alena and Eli, and settled in Genoa, Illinois.
In Genoa, he continued his entrepreneurial journey – crafting personalized signs and selling them at art fairs around the Midwest. A talented artist and craftsman, Larry forged deep bonds with his fellow crafters, creating friendships that would last the rest of his life.
In 2017, Larry discovered that he had a brother, Joe, who lived in St. Louis, Missouri. Larry and Joe (along with Joe's wife Diane) would forge a deep bond which he cherished for his remaining years.
Despite facing challenges, including health issues later in life, losing his vision, and struggles with alcoholism, Larry remained fiercely independent and deeply connected to his family and friends.
Larry lived life on his own terms. His legacy is one of resilience, creativity, humor, and a deep love for his family and friends. He will be remembered for his sharp wit, irreverent humor, and an unwavering love for cooking, reading, history, and politics. Larry's spirit lives on in the memories of all who knew him.
Larry is survived by his children Lisa, Lynn, Alena, and Eli, and his brother Joe; his grandchildren, John, Aaron, Katie, Sean, and Lila, and his great grandson Orion. He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Lila Gordon. Larry's family invites friends and acquaintances to celebrate his life at a memorial gathering in Chicago on August 11, 2024 between 11 AM and 3 PM at Epiphany Center for the Arts located at 201 S. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60607.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, a non-profit organization in Chicago (https://chicagolighthouse.org); their audio books were a continuing comfort.