Larry L. Kesterson

Larry Kesterson, 69, of Willoughby Hills, passed away suddenly Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, at U.H. Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby.
He was born May 14, 1955, in Cleveland.
Larry started working at the age of 12, delivering the morning Plain Dealer on his bicycle. From there, Larry went on to work for Galati's Italian restaurant, where he learned to work the kitchen and make pizzas. Around the time Larry turned 16, he went to work at MacCleens car wash. He stayed there for several years, until 1979, when he purchased his own car wash on Mentor Ave. and Rt. 306, which became Larry's Clean & Dry Carwash. During the nearly 40 years that he ran the car wash, Larry became a father figure and role model to many young men. He was the sole operator until he sold the car wash and retired in 2017.
He met his wife Patricia (nee Jevec) at Wickliffe Junior High School. They became high school sweethearts and married Sept. 5, 1975. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this fall. In 1981, they welcomed their first daughter, Jennifer, then 23 months later, they had their second daughter, Jessica. Larry was an adoring girl dad, he was very protective of all his girls. He was a great role model and father figure to his five nephews, Ryan (Kristen) Mitchell, Shane (Angie), Kevin and Sean (Michelle). He was also like a father to his sons-in-law, Chris and Tony. He was a blessing to his sister-in-law Gayle (James), who always called him her brother, as well as brothers-in-law to Kenny (Patsy) and Tommy. Larry became a loving grandfather, known as "Papa" to Dominic, Michael, Henry and Riggs. Larry and Pat's home was filled with warmth and love as they welcomed their nieces, Julie (Mark) and Melanie (Jason). He also had the love of his great-nieces and nephews, Helaina, Andrew, Julianna, Jackson, Declan and Rory. One of Larry's greatest joys was to be surrounded by his family. He was deeply loved by his family, friends and all that knew him. Larry was God's example of what a true loving man was, always caring, compassionate and putting the needs of others before his own. Heaven has gained a truly beautiful Angel, we are all better for having known him and sharing his genuine love. Larry will be deeply missed, but we know that he will be watching over us from Heaven.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Cora (nee Proffitt) Kesterson; and sister, Linda Kesterson.
Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. Funeral Service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at Wickliffe Presbyterian Church, 29955 Ridge Rd., Wickliffe.
To leave condolences for the family or to order flowers, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.