Larry R. Lawson

Larry R. Lawson, 75, of Hilliard, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born in Akron, Ohio, Larry was a proud lifelong Ohioan who spent most of his life in Wadsworth before recently relocating to Hilliard to be closer to family.

A 1969 graduate of Norton High School, Larry continued his education at the University of Akron, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. While there, he was a member of the university's men’s soccer team, beginning a lifelong love of athletics that would shape both his career and his legacy.

Larry devoted his professional life to education, starting out in the Cloverleaf school district where he was both a teacher and coach. Larry later held both roles as well as athletic director at Revere High School where he spent a majority of his career before his retirement in 2004.

In 1982, Larry married the love of his life, Trish. He was a devoted husband and a proud father to his daughter, Lauren. Some of his most cherished memories were made coaching Lauren’s teams and cheering her on from the stands. A talented athlete himself, Larry was an outstanding amateur softball player and was inducted into the Akron Softball Hall of Fame in 1998, an honor that reflected both his skill and his passion for the game.

In retirement, Larry remained active as a basketball and volleyball official, coached middle school basketball at Highland Middle School, and became an avid golfer. Sports were always at the heart of the Lawson family, and Larry especially loved Saturdays spent cheering on the Buckeyes.

Above all, Larry treasured his role as “Papa.” He delighted in spending time with his grandsons, Connor and Brodie, and carried in his heart the memory of his beloved grandson Jacob Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Lawson and Frances and Gust Kalapodis; his sister, Denise Ferrell; his brother, John Kalapodis; and his grandson, Jacob Thompson.

Larry is survived by his wife, Trish (Haidnick) Lawson; his daughter, Lauren Thompson (Chris); his grandsons, Connor and Brodie; his sister, Susan Amato (Paul); and his sister, Georgene Kalapodis.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and nurses at Sunrise Assisted Living and the team at Zusman Hospice for their care and support. Their help and professionalism were greatly appreciated.

Private services will be held at a later date. The family kindly requests donations be made in Larry’s memory to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, Help Fight RA, online at https://www.helpfightra.org/donations/ or by mail to:

Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation

Help Fight RA

8815 Conroy Windermere Rd.

Suite 309

Orlando, FL 32835